'He begged my pardon, and said he only did it because he thought it might be a relief to you.'
'Only; did he say 'only?'
'I am not sure. At least,' she added, with a deep sigh, 'I thought he meant only—'
'And you, my dearest, if you had not thought he meant only?'
'Don't ask me, mamma; I cannot think about it!'
'Mary, dearest, I do wish to understand you.'
'Is it of any use for me to ask myself?' said Mary.
'I think it is. I do not say that there might not be insuperable obstacles; but I believe we ought to know whether you are still indifferent to Louis.'
'Oh, that I never was! Nobody could be!'
'You know what I mean,' said her mother, slightly smiling.