"I didn't know it had anything to do with you. Schomberg was talking
of some Swede. How was I to know? It was only when you began telling me
about how you came here--"
"And now you have my version." Heyst forced himself to speak quietly.
"So that's how the business looked from outside!" he muttered.
"I remember him saying that everybody in these parts knew the story,"
the girl added breathlessly.
"Strange that it should hurt me!" mused Heyst to himself; "yet it does.
I seem to be as much of a fool as those everybodies who know the story
and no doubt believe it. Can you remember any more?" he addressed the
girl in a grimly polite tone. "I've often heard of the moral advantages
of seeing oneself as others see one. Let us investigate further. Can't
you recall something else that everybody knows?"
"Oh! Don't laugh!" she cried.
"Did I laugh? I assure you I was not aware of it. I won't ask you
whether you believe the hotel-keeper's version. Surely you must know the
value of human judgement!"
She unclasped her hands, moved them slightly, and twined her fingers as
before. Protest? Assent? Was there to be nothing more? He was relieved
when she spoke in that warm and wonderful voice which in itself
comforted and fascinated one's heart, which made her lovable.
"I heard this before you and I ever spoke to each other.
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