"I have been fortunate enough to obtain some information which may be of
great value to you, or I should not thus have intruded upon you," said
Maxwell, with the air of a man upon whom suspicion rested unjustly.
"Indeed, Mr. Maxwell!" replied Emily, forgetting both the night-air and
the character of the man who stood beside her; "pray, tell me all at
once!"
"Pardon me," replied he, coldly, "as the story is somewhat lengthy,
perhaps it might be deferred till to-morrow, if your health is likely to
suffer from exposure at this hour."
Emily was confused; but she could not stoop to the weakness of deception
to smooth over her former coldness. She was burning with impatience to
be restored, even in imagination, to the position from which she had
been degraded by the cruel will. Her companion's language was not
calculated to remove her doubts of his intentions. If the communication
was of a business character, why should he be offended at her haste to
terminate the interview? This reflection strengthened her resolution not
to conciliate him.
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