"I mean when you are alone."
"Oh!"
"And yet you must know my great—my only object in being here is to see you."
"The less I say the sooner it will be over," thought Claudia, whose experience was considerable.
"You must have noticed my—my attachment. I hope it was without displeasure?"
This clearly called for an answer, but Claudia gave none. She sighed slightly and put up her parasol.
"Claudia, is there any hope for me? I love you more—"
"Mr. Haddington," said Claudia, "this is a painful scene. I trust nothing in my conduct has misled you. [This was known—how, I do not know—to her brothers as "Claudia's formula," but it is believed not to be uncommon.] But what you propose is utterly impossible."
"Why do you say that? Perhaps you do not know me well enough yet—but in time, surely?"
"Mr. Haddington," said Claudia, "let me speak plainly. Even if I loved you—which I don't and never shall, for immense admiration for a man's abilities is a different thing from love [Haddington looked somewhat soothed], I could never consent to accept the position of a pis-aller. That is not the Territon way." And Lady Claudia looked very proud.