"There IS some truth in what he says," Arkwright admitted, with a reluctance of which his pride, and his heart as well, were ashamed. "He's become a burr, a thorn, in the Administration, and they're really afraid of him in a way—though, of course, they have to laugh at him as every one else does."
"Of course," said Margaret absently.
Arkwright watched her nervously. "You seem to be getting round to the state of mind," said he, "where you'll be in danger of marrying our friend Craig."
Margaret, her eyes carefully away from him, laughed softly—a disturbingly noncommittal laugh.
"Of course, I'm only joking," continued Arkwright. "I know YOU couldn't marry HIM."
"Why not?"
"Because you don't think he's sincere."
Her silence made him feel that she thought this as weak as he did.
"Because you don't love him."
"No, I certainly don't love him," said Margaret.