She could no more hold it
than a sieve can hold water. We were playing for great stakes, which,
if I do say it, none but the bravest hearts, bold and daring as the
truest knights of chivalry, would think of trying for. Nothing less
than the running away with the first princess of the first blood royal
of the world. Think of it! It appalls me even now. Discovery meant
death to one of us surely--Brandon; possibly to two others--Jane and
me; certainly, if Jane's truthfulness should become unmanageable, as
it was so apt to do.
After we had settled everything we could think of, the girls took
their leave; Mary slyly kissing Brandon at the door. I tried to induce
Jane to follow her lady's example, but she was as cool and distant as
the new moon.
I saw Jane again that night and told her in plain terms what I thought
of her treatment of me. I told her it was selfish and unkind to take
advantage of my love for her and treat me so cruelly. I told her that
if she had one drop of generous blood she would tell me of her love,
if she had any, or let me know it in some way; and if she cared
nothing for me she was equally bound to be honest and tell me plainly,
so that I should not waste my time and energy in a hopeless cause.
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