"So I see that you would
not take my advice," he said.
"Neither your advice nor your money, my lord."
"Ah,--I was so sorry about that! But, indeed, indeed,--the fault
was not mine."
"They were your figures that I saw upon the paper, and by your
orders, no doubt, that the lawyer acted. But I have not come to say
much of that. You meant I suppose to be gracious."
"I meant to be--good-natured."
"I daresay. You were willing enough to give away what you did not
want. But there must be more between us than any question of money.
Lord Rufford you have treated me most shamefully."
"I hope not. I think not."
"And you yourself must be well aware of it,--quite as well aware of
it as I am. You have thrown me over and absolutely destroyed me;--
and why?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Because you have been afraid
of others; because your sister has told you that you were mistaken
in your choice. The women around you have been too many for you,
and have not allowed you to dispose of your hand, and your name,
and your property as you pleased. I defy you to say that this was
not your sister's doing." He was too much astounded to contradict
her rapidly, and then she passed on, not choosing to give him time
for contradiction. "Will you have the hardihood to say that you did
not love me?" Then she paused thinking that he would not dare to
contradict her then, feeling that in that she was on strong ground.
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