At least this defence
would be true. It seemed incongruous that she instead of him should be
considered the offender; but above everything Carrissima must keep back
the only explanation which was likely to sound plausible.
"It was nothing to me," she said.
"Anyhow, it was a great deal to me," replied Mark. "Of course I played
the fool that afternoon. I don't want to make excuses. I admit there
are none. But you ought to understand that Bridget was an innocent
victim. No one was to blame but myself, and I not very severely. Yet
because of one act of momentary folly you could tell Sybil that
monstrous story."
"Well, I am sorry," said Carrissima. "I was carried away by
excitement. I suppose it's a weakness of mine! I sometimes do tell
people things and repent afterwards. I don't pretend to be immaculate."
"The fact is," returned Mark, "you've always been down on Bridget. The
girl is absolutely straight! What beats me is that you could meet me
as usual, as if nothing had come between us, take my hand and yet
believe all the time I was that sort of outsider."
"And now," exclaimed Carrissima, "you ask me to believe that not having
seen Bridget for weeks you went to her house and took her in your arms
against her will! But there! what is the use of going over it all
again? I feel immensely angry with Sybil.
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