as not."

This was said with some feeling, and it had more effect upon Eveline than
even the horrid recital given by Bill, but she felt the necessity of
crushing down all tender feelings, and with a masterly effort succeeded in
doing so, then replied:

"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having seemed to express a doubt on the
subject of your narrative; we are apt to judge persons by the company they
keep, and knowing your friend here," (pointing to Duffel,) "is very much
given to telling falsehoods, I thought it possible you might have formed
that detestable habit through his example; I trust, however, it is not the
case."

Duffel boiled with internal rage at this remark; but suppressing his anger,
he conducted his allies out of the room, gave them some directions, and
then returned to impose his unwelcome presence and conversation upon
Eveline, who had no means of avoiding him, but was compelled to hear his
words.

"I hope," said he, "you are now satisfied of the truth of my declaration,
that Hadley is dead."

"He may be; but I say now, as I said before, I do not _know_ that he is;
but admitting that he _is_ dead, what difference does it make?"

"Why not much, it is true, and I think I took the liberty of saying so
yesterday. I only wish, by proving the certainty of this event, to show you
the folly of continuing longer to set your affections upon him, provided
you have been doing so heretofore."

"And suppose I should cease to remember him, what would that avail you?"

"I would then hope to be able to convince you of my own deep love, and in
so doing of exciting a kindred sentiment in your own bosom."

"Have you the presumption to believe that I could be brought to such a
state of degradation of feeling, now that I know who and what you are, when
I rejected you under far more favorable circumstances? If you have, let me
at once tell you, that in this instance, as in many others, your vanity has
led you to entirely over-estimate your ability to please. Perhaps some of
my sex might be silly enough to listen to your well-turned speeches, but I
can assure you the less you speak to me of _love_ the better."

"People often change their minds."

"So they do; but I think you have pretty good reason to believe that _I_ am
not particularly liable to be charged with that failing."

"Well, no, I believe I cannot charge you with that weakness; but I am sure
you are very obstinate for one of your sex, which is not usu