"On the other hand," said I, heatedly, "I have been doing a
certain amount of good both by stealth and openly, and I
naturally blush with indignation to find it accounted infamous."
I looked narrowly into my aunt's eyes and I read in them entire
disbelief in my protest. I swear, if I had proved my innocence
beyond the shadow of doubt, that woman would have been grievously
disappointed.
"Good-bye," said I.
She shook hands frigidly and turned to ring the bell. A moment
later--I really believe she was moved by a kindly impulse--she
intercepted me at the door.
"I know you are odd and quixotic, Marcus," she said in a softer
tone. "I hope you will do nothing rash."
"What do you mean?" I asked in a white heat of unreasonable rage.
"I hope you won't try to repair things by marrying this--young
person."
"To make an honest woman of her, do you mean?" I asked grimly.
"Yes," said my aunt.
Then suddenly the Devil leaped into me and stirred all the
elements of unrest, anger, and longing together in a cauldron
which I suppose was my heart.
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