"When?"
"When you met that odious man?"
"Mr. Beauclerk? No; I dismissed Mr. Dysart as soon as ever I could."
"No doubt. And Mr. Beauclerk, did you dismiss him as promptly."
"Certainly not. There was no occasion."
"No inclination, either. You were kind to him at all events. It is only to the man who is honest and sincere that you are deliberately uncivil."
"I hope I was uncivil to neither of them."
"There is no use giving yourself that air with me, Joyce. You are angry with me; but why? Only because I am anxious for your happiness. Oh! that hateful man, how I detest him! He has made you unhappy once—he will certainly make you unhappy again."
"I don't think so," says Joyce, taking up her hat and furs with the evident intention of leaving the room, and thus putting an end to the discussion.
"You will never think so until it is too late. You haven't the strength of mind to throw him over, once and for all, and give your thoughts to one who is really worthy of you. On the contrary, you spend your time comparing him favorably with the good and faithful Felix."