But I have been thanked, as well as warned
and justly rebuked. I think," he added, as if the words cost him
an effort, " that if you will kindly ask Stanton to have nothing
more to do with Sibley, he will accede to your wishes; and whatever
he promises, he will perform."
"Is your friend, then, so honorable a man?" she asked.
"He is, indeed," replied Van Berg, earnestly, while a generous
flush suffused his face, "a true, noble-hearted fellow. He shows
his worst side at once, but you would discover new and good traits
hin him every day."
She turned away with a low laugh. "Since you are so loyal to your
old friend," she said, "I think you will prove true to your new
one. I shall put Mr. Stanton to the test, and discover whether he
will give up his quarrel with Mr. Sibley for the sake of such poor
thanks as I can give. Once more, good-night."
She was hastening away, when he seized her hand and said:
"Why do you go with averted face? Have I offended you?"
She trembled violently. "Please do not look at me so," she said,
falteringly. "I cannot endure it. Pity my weakness."
His hand tightened in its warm grasp, and the expression of his
face grew more ardent.
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