Hester · Chapter 35 (3/3)

“And it was really so?” she said, looking into his face, “really⁠—really⁠—no little shadow of a wish for⁠—a little provocation, a little talk, a little fun if you like, Edward? Oh, no, I have no prejudice. I should know it was quite natural. And you mean that there was nothing at all, nothing of this⁠—a mere accident, nothing more?”

He kissed her cheek, and he laughed at her in a filial way.

“Didn’t I tell you, Aunt Catherine? You believe me⁠—oh, yes; but then you ask me if really⁠—really I am saying what is true? Really⁠—really as often as you like; it was accident, and nothing more.”

This was how all the eloquent things which Catherine had prepared to say were never said. She went up to bed pleased and happy, yet not so pleased as if he had confessed her version of the story to be the true one. She did not doubt his word⁠—oh no, no⁠—but yet⁠—the other version looked more true to nature. She could have understood it better that way.