"In that case," she replied, flushing slightly, "I should probably have said something I might have regretted, had not Mrs. Roberts come to my rescue."
"And now?"
"Don't be stupid, Mr. Stanley. Surely you know that any well-brought-up girl would always obey her mother—and—and you ought to see that this conversation is impossible."
"It's certainly unique."
"Don't you think we had better change the subject?"
"By all means, if you wish it, after I've asked you one more question. I trust you won't think me rude to persist, but—do you care for me, Lady Isabelle?"
"As a friend, yes."
"But in no other way?"
"In no other way."
"You're quite sure?"