"
Charlotte's hooded figure stood before him stiff and straight. There
was resolution in her carriage, and her pleading tone was grave and
solemn.
"Barney," she said again; and Barney waited, his pale face standing
aloof in the dark.
"Barney, do you think it is right to let anything like this come
between you and me, when we were almost husband and wife?"
"It's no use talking, Charlotte."
"Do you think this is right, Barney?"
Barney was silent.
"If you can't answer me I will go home," said Charlotte, and she
turned, but Barney caught her in his arms. He held her close,
breathing in great pants. He pulled her hood back with trembling
strength, and kissed her over and over, roughly.
"Charlotte," he half sobbed.
Charlotte's voice, full of a great womanly indignation, sounded in
his ear. "Barney, you let me go," she said, and Barney obeyed.
"When I came here alone this way I trusted you to treat me like a
gentleman," said she. She pulled her hood over her face again and
turned to go. "I shall never speak to you about this again," said
she. "You have chosen your own way, and you know best whether it's
right, or you're happy in it."
"I hope you'll be happy, Charlotte," Barney said, with a great sigh.
"That doesn't make any difference to you," said Charlotte, coldly.
"Yes, it does; it does, Charlotte! When I heard about Thomas Payne, I
felt as if--if it would make you happy.
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