I rowed myself over the channel in
Captain Jim's flat. I've been here for an hour.
Come--come--let us walk. I can't stand still. Oh,
Anne!"
"Leslie, dearest, what is the trouble?" asked Anne,
though she knew too well already.
"I can't tell you--don't ask me . I wouldn't mind your
knowing-- I wish you did know--but I can't tell you--I
can't tell anyone. I've been such a fool, Anne--and
oh, it hurts so terribly to be a fool. There's nothing
so painful in the world."
She laughed bitterly. Anne slipped her arm around her.
"Leslie, is it that you have learned to care for Mr.
Ford?"
Leslie turned herself about passionately.
"How did you know?" she cried. "Anne, how did you
know? Oh, is it written in my face for everyone to
see? Is it as plain as that?"
"No, no. I--I can't tell you how I knew. It just came
into my mind, somehow. Leslie, don't look at me like
that!"
"Do you despise me?" demanded Leslie in a fierce, low
tone. "Do you think I'm wicked--unwomanly? Or do you
think I'm just plain fool?"
"I don't think you any of those things.
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