We met at
the concert-garden again, and he dined with us last evening."
Stanton turned and looked at her earnestly, and her color rose
swiftly under his questioning eyes.
"My poor little Ida, we are in the same boat, I fear," he said
compassionately.
She hid her face on his shoulder. "Oh, Ik, spare me," she faltered.
"It's just as I feared," Stanton resumed, with a deep sigh.
"Maledictions on such a world as ours! The devil rules it, sure
enough."
"Oh, hush, hush," Ida sobbed.
"I see it all, now; indeed, I've thought it all out this past week.
You Sibley used only as a blind, poor child."
"Yes, Ik, I loathed and detested him almost from the first."
"And in the meantime the sagacious Van Berg and myself were
trampling on you like a couple of long-eared beasts. How did you
ever forgive us!"
"Oh, Ik, Ik, my heart is breaking. I've had such dreams the last
two weeks. I've dared to think I had learned a little of God's love,
and oh--was I blinded by my wishes, by my hopes, by the passionate
longing of my heart?--I thought I saw love in his eyes, and heard
it in his tones, last evening. Everything now is slipping from
me--happiness, hope, and even my faith.
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