When Philip came to her room she looked at him with anxiety.
"Do you know anything against Charley, Philip?"
"Nothing whatever," said Philip, emphatically, as he pulled on his gloves.
"Philip, tell me truly, do you care for your cousin yourself?"
"Why, of course. She is my cousin, and a good girl—a little too fearfully good."
"You know what I mean, Philip. Don't trifle with me."
"What would be the use of my caring for Phillida, as you call it? Charley, with his usual luck, will get her, I am sure. You've fixed that."
"Now, Philip, you reproach me unjustly. You've had years of intimacy with Phillida. Why did you never let her know what your feelings were?"
"I? I haven't said that I have any feelings in the matter. Do you think Phillida would have me if Charley were out of the way? She knows me too well. She's a utilitarian. She would say, 'Cousin Phil is interesting, but he hides his talent in a napkin. He studied law, and now neglects to practise it because his uncle left him two or three thousand dollars a year.' To her I am only an idler, when I'm not a mocker."
"She likes you, I am sure."