"Exactly. If you ask me, I think Ann Dorland is a very lucky young woman."
"Oh, God!—you would say that...."
"... Yes, of course, I'm sorry for Naomi Rushworth. But she needn't be so spiteful. She goes about hinting that of course dear Walter was got over by that Dorland girl and sacrificed himself to save her."
"Well, that's natural, I suppose. You thought Miss Dorland had done it yourself at one time, you know, Marjorie."
"I didn't know then about her being engaged to Penberthy. And I think he deserved all he got.... Well, I know he's dead, but it was a rotten way to treat a girl, and Ann's far too good for that kind of thing. People have a perfect right to want love-affairs. You men always think...."
"Not me, Marjorie. I don't think."
"Oh, you! You're almost human. I'd almost take you on myself if you asked me. You don't feel inclined that way, I suppose?"
"My dear—if a great liking and friendship were enough, I would—like a shot. But that wouldn't satisfy you, would it?"
"It wouldn't satisfy you, Peter. I'm sorry. Forget it."