"Well, you see," he explained, with a touch of amusement, "I think she rather wants to retain me as a tame cat——"
"Oh, but Alwynne's not like that," Elsbeth protested.
"Don't you think every woman is, if she gets the chance? She has to kow-tow to the Hartill woman, and it would be a relief to have some one to do the same to her—as well as an amusement. But she's had to understand that I won't be her friend's whipping-boy. I decline the post."
"Oh,—well, if you put it that way—but it's hardly fair to Alwynne. Of course, you're angry and disappointed——"
"I'm not!" he protested heatedly.
"Oh, but you are. Don't pretend you're not human. I don't blame you; I'm angry too. But you must be fair. Alwynne's motives are obvious enough. There's no cat-and-mouse business about it. She simply can't bear the idea of losing you."
"Yet she won't marry me."
"She would, if it weren't for Clare. Didn't you get that impression? Roger, if you really care, wait here a little longer. Stay with us. Let her have a chance of contrasting you with Clare Hartill."
"No, I won't," he said obstinately.
"You care more for your own dignity than for Alwynne, I think," said Elsbeth, in her lowest voice.