I own that I hoped to win
her myself, and I feel the disappointment--keenly."
"Traverse, I hope you will not think me a meddling fool; but I would like
to know if it is all up with the other one--she of the letter, I mean. You
might tell a fellow that much."
Traverse looked at him keenly. He knew that Fenerty had a good heart, with
all his bantering, and it was plain enough to all that his attentions to
Dexie Sherwood could have but one significance. Yet there must be a feeling
in the mind of Fenerty, as well as others, that in the light of that letter
he was not "off with the old love before he was on with the new." Should he
trust Fenerty with the secret of the letter, and have at least one friend
who would not think him dishonorable in the matter?
"Fenerty, how are you at keeping secrets?" he said at last. "I never hear
you parting with any, but whether that is owing to the fact that you have
none to impart, or whether your secrets really are secrets, I am not able
to guess. I would like to tell you about that letter. What are the
prospects of it becoming public property?"
"'Pon honor, Traverse, you are a brute! Do you think I would speak of it to
my bosom friend, if I had one? and Heaven knows I haven't! But I have often
thought of your possible death from unrequited love.
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