"The truth? What is there to know?" said Hubert, relinquishing her hands and frowning heavily. "Flossy is absurdly wrong and mistaken, and Cynthia West is one of the noblest women in the world--that is all that I have to say. When I am a little stronger, Enid, it will be better if you will consent to marry me at once; then we can go away together and spend the winter in Egypt or Algiers." He spoke hardily, determinedly. He had made up his mind to carry out his sacrifice, if Enid desired it, at any cost. He had, as the General would have said, returned to his allegiance. Enid looked at him with a keenness, an intentness, which struck him as remarkable. "Do you want me to marry you?" she said. "Of course I do! Why else should I have asked you?" he returned, with all a sick man's petulance. "I want to get the ceremony over as soon as possible--as soon as you will consent. When shall it be!" "One moment, Hubert. Tell me first what I want to know. Is Flossy right in saying that Cynthia loves you?" "You may be quite sure that Flossy is infernally wrong in anything she says!" he answered. He had never spoken so roughly to her before. She drew back for a second, and he immediately apologised. "I beg your pardon, Enid; I am sorry to be so irritable. Think of me as a sick man still, and forgive me. But Flossy knows nothing of the matter." "Not even that Cynthia cares for you?" A deep flush rose to his face. "You should not ask me. It is the last thing that I can tell," he said, with the same sharpness of tone. "Then tell me another thing, Hubert. Do you not care for her?" "Yes--a great deal. She has been a kind friend--an excellent nurse--and I am grateful to her. Enid, I do not like to think that you believe me to be untrue to you." She took his hand in hers and kissed it--a movement which discomposed him exceedingly. "I did not think for one moment that you would desert me, Hubert, if I wanted you to perform what you had promised." "Enid, what do you mean? Of course I shall perform what I have promised. Has Flossy been making you jealous and suspicious? My dear, believe me, there is no occasion for you to be so. You are very dear to me, and I will be faithful to you always. You shall never have cause to complain." "Yes, I know," she said gently. "You are very good, Hubert, and you would not for the world do what you think to be a cruel thing. But would it not be better for you to be perfectly open with me? If you care for Cynthia West, would it not be better even for me that you should marry the woman whom you love?" She looked at him and saw his face twitch. Then he shook his head. "This is folly, Enid, and I am really not strong enough to stand it. You have no need to be troubled with doubts and fears, my little girl. Cynthia West is as good and true as a woman can be; and I--I mean to make you happy and do my duty as a man should do." Enid smiled, but her eyes were filled with tears.