"Come, I'll tell you; it's too soon for bed and too late to go abroad.

Jonah, bring us some wine, and if it be good, you shall be forgiven for admitting Master Tate." Jonah went off and presently returned with a bottle, which we drank, while I, with the candour I had promised, told my friend of Betty Nasroth and her prophecy.

He heard me with an attention which belied the contempt he asserted; I have noticed that men pay heed to these things however much they laugh at them.

At the end, growing excited not only with the wine but with the fumes of life which had been mounting into my young brain all the day, I leapt up, crying aloud: "And isn't it true?
Shan't I know what he hides?
Shan't I drink of his cup?
For isn't it true?
Don't I already, to my infinite misery, love where he loves ?" For the picture of Nell had come suddenly across me in renewed strength and sweetness; when I had spoken I dropped again into my chair and laid my head down on my arms.
Silence followed; Darrell had no words of consolation for my woes and left my love-lorn cry unheeded; presently then (for neglected sorrows do not thrive) I looked furtively at him between the fingers of my hand.

He sat moody, thoughtful, and frowning.