"I wish you could--but--what does all this mean?"
She thought for a moment; then she said: "I hope you won't think me bold for speaking openly. But the fact is--well, I was engaged to Neil, and he--he has broken our engagement."
"Ah!" exclaimed the young man. "And how can I remedy the situation?"
"Go to him and ask why he went away."
"I cannot. Do you expect me to bring my rival back to you?"
"If you loved me and wished me to be happy, you would."
"I don't want to see you happy with another fellow," and his manner was eminently human. "I want you to myself."
"Well, you will not get me by behaving in this way!" cried Ruth, now thoroughly exasperated. "This is the very first time I have ever asked you to do anything for me, and you refuse!"
Geoffrey temporised. "Supposing Webster were to persist in his refusal to come back to you, would there be a chance for me?"
Miss Cass looked straight before her, with her nose in the air.