"But why?"
"I think you must know why, Mr. Maule."
"I don't in the least. I won't have it broken off. I have as much right to have a voice in the matter as she has, and I don't in the least believe it's her doing."
"Mr. Maule!"
"I do not care; I must speak out. Why does she not tell me so herself?"
"She did tell you so."
"No, she didn't. She said something, but not that. I don't suppose a man was ever so used before; and it's all Lord Chiltern;—just because I told him that he had no right to interfere with me. And he has no right."
"You and Oswald were away together when she told me that she had made up her mind. Oswald has hardly spoken to her since you have been in the house. He certainly has not spoken to her about you since you came to us."
"What is the meaning of it, then?"
"You told her that your engagement had overwhelmed you with troubles."