The origin of their acquaintanceship had been such as to render their manner towards each other peculiar and uncommon.It was of a kind to cause them to speak out their minds on any feelings of objection and difference:to be reticent on gentler matters.
I have a good mind to go away and never trouble you again,continued Knight.
She said nothing,but the eloquent expression of her eyes and wan face was enough to reproach him for harshness.
Do you like me to be here,then?inquired Knight gently.
Yes,she said.Fidelity to the old love and truth to the new were ranged on opposite sides,and truth virtuelessly prevailed.
Then Ill stay a little longer,said Knight.
Dont be vexed if I keep by myself a good deal,will you?Perhaps something may happen,and I may tell you something.
Mere coyness,said Knight to himself;and went away with a lighter heart.The trick of reading truly the enigmatical forces at work in women at given times,which with some men is an unerring instinct,is peculiar to minds less direct and honest than Knights.
The next evening,about five oclock,before Knight had returned from a pilgrimage along the shore,a man walked up to the house.
He was a messenger from Camelton,a town a few miles off,to which place the railway had been advanced during the summer.
A telegram for Miss Swancourt,and three and sixpence to pay for the special messenger.Miss Swancourt sent out the money,signed the paper,and opened her letter with a trembling hand.She read: