im," cried Pen. "Good-bye, Blanche. God bless you,
Foker, old friend. You know, neither of you want me here." He longed to
be off that instant.

"Stay--I must say one word to you. One word in private, if you please,"
Blanche said. "You can trust us together, can't you, Henry?" The tone
in which the word Henry was spoken, and the appeal, ravished Foker with
delight. "Trust you!" said he. "Oh, who wouldn't trust you! Come along,
Franky, my boy."

"Let's have a cigar," said Frank, as they went into the hall.

"She don't like it," said Foker, gently.

"Law bless you--she don't mind. Pendennis used to smoke regular," said
the candid youth.

"It was but a short word I had to say," said Blanche to Pen, with great
calm, when they were alone. "You never loved me, Mr. Pendennis."

"I told you how much," said Arthur. "I never deceived you."

"I suppose you will go back and marry Laura," continued Blanche.

"Was that what you had to say?" said Pen.

"You are going to her this very night, I am sure of it. There is no
denying it. You never cared for me."

"Et vous?"

"Et moi, c'est different. I have been spoilt early. I cannot live out of
the world, out of excitement. I could have done so, but it is too late.
If I cannot have emotions, I must have the world. You would offer
me neither one nor the other. You are blase in everything, even in
ambition. You had a career before you, and you would not take it. You
give it up!--for what?--for a betise, for an absurd scruple. Why would
you not have that seat, and be such a puritain? Why should you refuse
what is mine by right, by right, entendez-vous?"

"You know all, then?" said Pen.

"Only within a month. But I have suspected ever since
Baymouth--n'importe since when. It is not too late. He is as if he had
never been; and there is a position in the world before you yet. Why not
sit in Parliament, exert your talent, and give a place in the world to
yourself, to your wife? I take celui-la. Il est bon. Il est riche. Il
est--vous le connaissez autant que moi enfin. Think you that I would not
prefer un homme qui fera parler de moi? If the secret appears I am rich
a millions. How does it affect me? It is not my fault. It will never
appear."

"You will tell Harry everything, won't you?"

"Je comprends. Vous refusez," said Blanche, savagely. "I will tell Harry
at my own time, when we are married. You will not betray me, will you?
You, having a defenceless girl's secret, will not