"He addressed you at that time, did he not, upon the subject of marriage?"
"He did, several times."
"What was your reply?"
"I refused his advances."
"I did not care for him, in fact, I disliked him."
"You had a strong aversion to him?"
"I had. He seemed to me cruel and unscrupulous."
"Did your father know of this feeling on your part?"
"No. I did not say anything to him about it. He evidently liked Mr. Ashton, probably because of their common interest in Oriental art. I had no wish to prejudice him."