"Offence to whom, William?"
"It is hardly needful to mention names. I think you will understand without further explanation. You did not of course intend to act slightingly to anybody; but a certain amount of attention is due to people in a certain position; and when it is withheld—can you wonder that they are hurt?"
"I cannot be otherwise than natural."
"Nay, Evelyn—surely politeness ought to be natural."
"I have not failed in bare politeness, and I will not," she said quietly. "But more is expected, and I cannot give it. I don't like Dutton people."
"You do not really know them. There is at least no need to pass judgment until you do."
"I have no wish to know them any better."
"Then I am to understand that your manner yesterday to some of my friends—a manner which gave pain—was not inadvertent, but intentional?"
Evelyn almost spoke, almost told him of the real cause. It was a pity that she did not. Though he might have been difficult to convince, he would not in the abstract have approved of gossip, and he would at least have seen that she had a reason for showing coldness.
"But what is the use?" she asked herself plaintively. "He will not understand."