During the ensuing weeks Eily perceived a rapid and fearful change in his temper and appearance.  His visits were fewer and shorter, and his manner became extraordinarily restrained and conscious.

But when she told him that the loneliness was troubling her, he accused her of jealousy.

“If I was jealous, and with reason,” said Eily. smiling seriously, “nobody would ever know it; for I wouldn’t say a word, only stretch upon my bed and die.  I wouldn’t be long in his way, I’ll engage.”

Hardress warned her never to inquire into his secrets, nor to effect an influence which he would not admit.  He bade her avoid suffering the slightest suspicion to appear, since when suspicions are afloat men find the temptation to furnish them with a cause almost irresistible.  Eily protested that she was joking, and his uneasy conscience threw him into a paroxysm of fury.

“Curse on you!” he cried.  “Curse on your beauty, curse on my own folly, for I have been undone by both!  I hate you!  Take the truth; I’ll not be poisoned with it!  I am sick of you; you have disgusted me!  I will ease my heart by telling you the whole.  If I seek the society of other women, it is because I find not among them your meanness and vulgarity!”

“Oh, Hardress,” shrieked the affrighted girl, “you are not in earnest now?”

“I do not joke!” he exclaimed, with a hoarse vehemence.

“Oh, my dear Hardress, listen to me!  Hear your poor Eily for one moment!  Oh, my poor father!  Forgive me, Hardress.  I left my home and all for you.  Oh, do not cast me off!  I will do anything to please you.  I will never open my lips again.  Only say you do not mean all that.”

He tore himself away, leaving Eily unconscious on the ground.  On the summit of the Purple Mountain, which was all surrounded by mist, he met Danny Mann, and confided to him that his love of Eily had turned to hatred, asking his advice concerning what must be done.

“Sorrow trouble would I even give myself about her,” said Danny, “only send her home packin’ to her father!”

“Should I send Eily home to earn for myself the reputation of a faithless villain!” said Hardress.

“Why, then I’ll tell you what I’d do,” said Danny, nodding his head.  “Pay her passage out to Quaybec, an’ put her aboard of a three-master.  Do by her as you’d do to dat glove you have on your hand.  Make it come off as well as it comes on, an’ if it fits too tight, take the knife to it.  Only give me the word, an’ I’ll engage Eily O’Connor will never trouble you any more.  Don’t ax me any questions; only, if you are agreeable, take off that glove an’ give it to me for a token.  Lave the rest to Danny.”

Hardress gazed upon the face of the hunchback with an expression of gaping terror, as if he stood in the presence of the Arch Tempter himself.  Then he caught him by the throat, and shook him with appalling violence.