"There is not the least doubt about it," Jimmy admitted.
"So very, very badly," she continued gravely, with her eyes on the
grass, "that I wonder you took the trouble to find me."
"Do you?" he asked, and as she remained silent for a few moments Jimmy
repeated the question. "Do you?" he said.
"Why, no," she cried, raising her head and facing him with a laugh.
"But it is more than I deserve," she added. "Jimmy, I was in great
straits. I saw how fast my money was going, that I should have none
left in a year or two, and so when Colonel Faversham bothered me to
marry him I gave in. I thought I could do it, you know."
"Until I came to undeceive you!" suggested Jimmy.
"Yes," said Bridget; "but I was afraid you might be--be disgusted! I
wanted you to know, and yet I didn't. I tried to tell you time after
time, and still I couldn't say the word which I thought might drive you
away from me. I saw it would be impossible to marry Colonel Faversham,
but if I threw him over what should I do in the future? I hesitated
and hesitated. I went to Crowborough because I hoped the influence of
the place might give me courage; it didn't and I had some wild idea of
appealing to Mark for help.
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