‘I think not. It’s you who are unprincipled.’
‘My dear girl, haven’t I been showing you that no man could be more above-board, more straightforward?’
‘You have been talking nonsense, Jasper.’
‘Nonsense? Oh, this female lack of logic! Then my argument has been utterly thrown away. Now that’s one of the things I like in Miss Rupert; she can follow an argument and see consequences. And for that matter so can Marian. I only wish it were possible to refer this question to her.’
There was a tap at the door. Dora called ‘Come in!’ and Marian herself appeared.
‘What an odd thing!’ exclaimed Jasper, lowering his voice. ‘I was that moment saying I wished it were possible to refer a question to you.’
Dora reddened, and stood in an embarrassed attitude.
‘It was the old dispute whether women in general are capable of logic. But pardon me, Miss Yule; I forget that you have been occupied with sad things since I last saw you.’
Dora led her to a chair, asking if her father had returned.
‘Yes, he came back yesterday.’