"There is no need for flattery, either on the one side or on the other. You had better take that as established. You have done me the honor of wishing, for certain reasons, that I should be your wife."
"The common reason:—that I love you."
"But I am not able to return the feeling, and do not therefore wish that you should be my husband. That sounds to be uncivil."
"Rather."
"But I say it in order to make you understand the exact truth. A woman cannot love a man because she feels for him even the most profound respect. She will often do so when there is neither respect nor esteem. My father has so spoken of you to me that I do esteem you; but that has no effect in touching my heart, therefore I cannot become your wife."
Now, as Mr. Barry thought, had come the time in which he must assert himself. "Miss Grey," he said, "you have probably a long life before you."
"Long or short, it can make no difference."
"If I understood you aright, you are one who lives very much to yourself."
"To myself and my father."
"He is growing in years."