I tell you, Juliet, of my own knowledge, that he has
neither heart nor conscience, and that he glories in the evil that his
hand finds to do. Even you must know something of his reputation--have
heard something of his doings, under the name he is best known by in
London--Mr. Wingrave, millionaire."
She started back as though in terror. Then she turned to Wingrave, who
sat stonily silent.
"It isn't true," she cried. "You are not--that man?"
He raised his eyes and looked at her. It seemed to her that there was
something almost satanic in the smile which alone disturbed the
serenity of his face.
"Certainly I am," he answered; "when I returned from America, it
suited me to change my identity. You must not doubt anything that Mr.
Aynesworth says. I can assure you that he is a most truthful and
conscientious young man. I shall be able to give him a testimonial
with a perfectly clear conscience."
Juliet shuddered as she turned away. All the joy of life seemed to
have gone from her face.
"You are Mr. Wingrave--the Mr. Wingrave. Oh! I can't believe it," she
broke off suddenly. "No one could have been so kind, so generous, as
you have been to me."
She looked from one to the other of the two men. Both were silent, but
whereas Aynesworth had turned his head away, Wingrave's position and
attitude were unchanged. She moved suddenly over towards him. One hand
fell almost caressingly upon his shoulder.
Pages:
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274