But the world talked.  They said it was a very pretty romance; Mr. Trevlyn had been deserted by his lady-love, had fallen ill on account of it, and been nursed by one whom of course he would marry.  Indeed, they thought him in duty bound to do so.  In what other way could he manifest his gratitude?

Vague whispers of this reached Trevlyn’s ear, but he gave them at first little heed.  He should never marry, he said; it was sinful to wed without love.  But as he saw Alexandrine’s pale face and strangely distraught manner day by day, he came to feel as if he had in some way wronged her though how he did not exactly understand.

One day he entered the sitting-room of Mrs. Lee with the freedom of a privileged visitor, without rapping, and found Alexandrine in tears.  He would have retreated, but she had already seen him, and he felt that it would be better to remain.  He spoke to her kindly.

“I trust nothing has occured to distress you?”

She looked at him almost defiantly.

“Leave me!” she said, impetuously; “you, of all others, have no right to question me!”

“Pardon me” he exclaimed, alarmed by her strange emotion, “and why not I question you?”

“Because you have caused me misery enough already—­”

She stopped suddenly, and rising, was about to leave the room.  He took her hand, and closed the door she had opened, leading her to a seat.

“My dear Miss Lee, I do not comprehend you.  Explain.  If I have ever injured you in any way, it has been the very thing farthest removed from my intentions.  Will you not give me a chance to defend myself?”

She blushed painfully; her embarrassment disturbed him, for he was generous to all, and he really felt very kindly toward her.

“I cannot explain,” she said, in a subdued voice.  “I am sorry you came just now.  But these slanders anger me, as well as wound my feelings.”

“What slanders, Miss Lee?”

Her color grew deeper.  Animated by some sudden resolve, she lifted her head proudly.

“I will tell you.  Remember that you sought the information.  Your coming here has been made the subject of remark, and I have been accused of having schemed to draw you here.  You know if it be true.”

His face flushed slowly.  He recalled the silly stories that had some time before reached his ears.  And because of them she had suffered!  This woman whose unremitting care had saved his life!  How thoughtless and cruel he had been!  He was a man of honor; if any woman’s reputation had been injured through his means, there was but one course for him to pursue.  He must make reparation.  And how?  For a moment his head whirled, but glancing at the pale, distressed face before him, he made his decision.