"My child, it is impossible. What would Sir Noel say? What would the Lady Rose say?"
"She has no right. What is it to her?" cried the girl, stung by a sharp pang of jealousy, which overmastered every other feeling.
"Ruth!"
"Forgive me. I am so unhappy."
"Ruth, I do not understand. You do not cry like a child, but as women cry when their hearts are breaking."
"My heart is breaking."
"Poor child! Is it about your father?"
"Yes, oh, yes! My father!"
"But the doctors say he is better."
"He is better; but we fear trouble, great trouble."