You are not ignorant of his feeling towards you ?" "Perhaps not." "But perhaps you do not know, you who have so much admiration, how sincere and overmastering his love is for you ?" Philip would not have spoken so plainly, if he had in mind anything except to draw from Laura something that would end Harry's passion.
"And is sincere love so rare, Mr.Sterling ?" asked Laura, moving her foot a little, and speaking with a shade of sarcasm.
"Perhaps not in Washington," replied Philip,--tempted into a similar tone.

"Excuse my bluntness," he continued, "but would the knowledge of his love; would his devotion, make any difference to you in your Washington life ?" "In respect to what ?" asked Laura quickly.
"Well, to others.

I won't equivocate--to Col.

Selby ?" Laura's face flushed with anger, or shame; she looked steadily at Philip and began, "By what right, sir,--" "By the right of friendship," interrupted Philip stoutly.

"It may matter little to you.