Sibley has come between me and that
which is more than life--my chance for happiness and right living.
I shall become desperate and bad, like him, if this continues.
How strange it is that some sense, some instinct does not tell him
there that the girl who stands so near is lavishing every treasure
of her soul upon him!
"That poor little rose-bud represents me to his mind. How ruthlessly
he is pulling open its heart! Will he see anything else there save
the work of the destroyer? Can it not awaken a thought of pity?
I will--I must speak to him."
She took a hesitating step or two towards him. She could almost
hear her heart beat. Twice, thrice, words died upon her lips.
When was she ever so timid before! If he would only give her an
encouraging glance! If he would only turn a little towards her
and relax that haughty, unbending attitude---
"Mr. Van Berg," she said at last, in a voice that was constrained
and hard from her effort to be calm, "you seem very vindictive
towards that poor little flower."
He turned partially towards her and coldly said, "Good evening Miss
Mayhew;" then, after a second, added carelessly: "I admit that
this worm-eaten bud is rather vexatious.
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