'Then why tell me that we know so little of each other? That, surely, is a poor excuse to make to a woman,--after you have been false to her. Why did you not say that when we were in New York together? Think of it, Paul. Is not that mean?'
'I do not think that I am mean.'
'No;--a man will lie to a woman, and justify it always. Who is--this lady?'
He knew that he could not at any rate be warranted in mentioning Hetta Carbury's name. He had never even asked her for her love, and certainly had received no assurance that he was loved. 'I cannot name her.'
'And I, who have come hither from California to see you, am to return satisfied because you tell me that you have--changed your affections? That is to be all, and you think that fair? That suits your own mind, and leaves no sore spot in your heart? You can do that, and shake hands with me, and go away,--without a pang, without a scruple?'
'I did not say so.'
'And you are the man who cannot bear to hear me praise Augustus Melmotte because you think him dishonest! Are you a liar?'
'I hope not.'
'Did you say you would be my husband? Answer me, sir.'
'I did say so.'
'Do you now refuse to keep your promise? You shall answer me.'
'I cannot marry you.'
'Then, sir, are you not a liar?' It would have taken him long to explain to her, even had he been able, that a man may break a promise and yet not tell a lie. He had made up his mind to break his engagement before he had seen Hetta Carbury, and therefore he could not accuse himself of falseness on her account. He had been brought to his resolution by the rumours he had heard of her past life, and as to his uncertainty about her husband. If Mr Hurtle were alive, certainly then he would not be a liar because he did not marry Mrs Hurtle. He did not think himself to be a liar, but he was not at once ready with his defence. 'Oh, Paul,' she said, changing at once into softness,--'I am pleading to you for my life. Oh, that I could make you feel that I am pleading for my life. Have you given a promise to this lady also?'
'No,' said he. 'I have given no promise.'
'But she loves you?'
'She has never said so.'