"
Zoe's eyes were on him with microscopic power, and, with all his
self-command, she saw him wince and change color, and give other signs
that this shaft had told in many ways.
He shut his countenance the next moment; but it had opened, and Zoe was
on fire with jealousy and suspicion.
Fluctuating Fanny regretted the turn things had taken. She did not want
to lose a pleasant male companion, and she felt sure Zoe would be
unhappy, and cross to her, if he went. "Surely, Mr. Severne," she said,
"you will not desert us and go back for so small a chance. Why, we are a
hundred and fifty miles from Homburg, and all the nearer to dear old
England. There, there--we must be kinder to you, and make you forget this
misfortune."
Thus spoke the trimmer. The reply took her by surprise.
"And whose fault is it that I am obliged to get out a hundred and fifty
miles from Homburg? You knew all this. You could have got me a delay of a
few hours to go and get my due. You know I am a poor man. With all your
cleverness, you don't know what made me poor, or you would feel some
remorse, perhaps; but you know I am poor when most I could wish I were
rich.
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