“Yes, I am very glad to see you,” retreating two steps and making a shield of her fan.
“And is that all?”
“I think so—what more do you expect? You are nothing but my guardian,” she replied, avoiding his eyes.
“Indeed!” with an imperceptible start.
“Yes. You made the arrangement yourself; do not blame me for holding you to it,” she answered hurriedly.
“That arrangement, as you call it, was made under utterly different circumstances, when you did not, and would not, believe that I was your lawful husband. It is different now—you know better than that.”
“It may suit you to change your mind, but I do not alter mine. You are my guardian, and nothing more; as husband and wife we are strangers.”
“Is this your matured determination?” said Sir Reginald in a transport of indignation.
“It is,” she replied firmly. “You have forgotten the existence of your wife for the last three years: continue to forget her. Do you think I have no pride?”
“Pride—no!” he exclaimed angrily. “I could not dignify it by such a name. You are consumed by a senseless besotted obstinacy, that no doubt you are pleased to consider as such.”