`` be that as it may , '' stephen replied with a ragged sigh , `` they cared for each other and were going to be wed. as you 're about to discover from my tale , charise lancaster , whom you all suspect of being either a complete birdwit or else a scheming fortune-hunter who has somehow enticed me into offering her marriage , is actually a completely innocent , and very pitiable , victim of my own negligence and dishonesty ... '' when stephen had completed his tale and answered everyone 's questions , a long silence fell over the room 's occupants as everyone tried to gather their thoughts .