"
"Oh, I don't bear any malice now," she said. "I did at first,
naturally. But it all seems very ridiculous now I have had time to think
it over. I believe, Mr. Crocker, that I never really cared for him."
"Simply an idol shattered this time," I suggested, "and not a heart
broken."
"Yes, that's it," said she.
"I am glad to hear it," said I, much pleased that she had taken such a
sensible view. "But you are engaged to him."
"I was."
"You have broken the engagement, then?"
"No, I--haven't," she said.
"Then he has broken it?"
She did not appear to resent this catechism.
"That's the strange part of it," said Miss Trevor, "he hasn't even
thought it necessary."
"It is clear, then, that you are still engaged to him," said I, smiling
at her blank face.
"I suppose I am," she cried. "Isn't it awful? What shall I do, Mr.
Crocker? You are so sensible, and have had so much experience."
"I beg your pardon," I remarked grimly.
"Oh, you know what I mean: not that kind of experience, of course. But
breach of promise cases and that sort of thing. I have a photograph of
him with something written over it."
"Something compromising?" I inquired.
"Yes, you would probably call it so," she answered, reddening. "But
there is no need of my repeating it. And then I have a lot of other
things. If I write to break off the engagement I shall lose dignity, and
it will appear as though I had regrets.
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