Still, do me justice. I could not answer her question with a bold
lie. And what would have been its use? How could you explain your
bearing towards her at the supper table? Your manner would have
frozen Jezebel herself."
"I was an infernal fool," groaned Van Berg.
"It is due to us both that I should say I told her you had tried
to form a good opinion of her, and very reluctantly received the
view her mother suggested. I said, in effect, you wished to think
well of her, although she had treated you so badly."
"Treated me badly! I have treated her a thousandfold worse. She,
at least, has never insulted me, and I can never forgive myself
for the insult I have offered her.
"Well, I hope to find her in the mood to accept an apology in the
morning," said Stanton.
"I'm in a confoundedly awkward position to apologize," growled
Van Berg. "Any reference to such an affair will be like another
insult;" and the friends parted in an unsatisfactory state of mind
towards each other, and especially towards themselves.
But that was a sad and memorable night to Ida Mayhew. She felt
that it might be her last on earth; for her dark purpose was rapidly
taking definite form.
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