Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/172

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THE TENANT

that allow me to say, a little candour and confidence on your part might have removed; and at last, I chanced to overhear a part of a conversation between you and her that made me think I had a right to hate you."

"And how came you to know that I was her brother?" asked he in some anxiety.

"She told me herself. She told me all. She knew I might be trusted. But you needn't disturb yourself about that, Mr. Lawrence, for I've seen the last of her!"

"The last! is she gone then?"

"No, but she has bid adieu to me; and I have promised never to go near that house again while she inhabits it." I could have groaned aloud at the bitter thoughts awakened by this turn in the discourse. But I only clenched my hands, and stamped my foot upon the rug. My companion however, was evidently relieved.

"You have done right!" he said in a tone of unqualified approbation, while his face brightened into almost a sunny expression.