'
'I've tried to,' replied Wentworth.
'Now, that's what I call honest; besides, I like the implied compliment.
I think it's very neat indeed. I'm really very, very sorry that I--that
things happened as they did. I wouldn't have blamed you if you had used
exceedingly strong language about it at the time.'
'I must confess that I did.'
'Ah!' said Jennie, with a sigh, 'you men have so many comforts denied to
us women. But I came here for another purpose; if I had merely wanted to
apologize, I think I would have written. I want some information which
you can give me, if you like.'
The young woman rested her elbows on the table, with her chin in her
hands, gazing across at him earnestly and innocently. Poor George felt
that it would be almost impossible to refuse anything to those large
beseeching eyes.
'I want you to tell me about your mine.'
All the geniality that had gradually come into Wentworth's face and
manner vanished instantly.
'So this is the old business over again,' he said.
'How can you say that!' cried Jennie reproachfully. 'I am asking for my
own satisfaction entirely, and not for my paper. Besides, I tell you
frankly what I want to know, and don't try to get it by indirect
means--by false pretences, as you once said.'
'How can you expect me to give you information that does not belong to me
alone? I have no right to speak of a business which concerns others
without their permission.'
'Ah, then, there are at least two more concerned in the mine,' said
Jennie gleefully.
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