"Wretchedness!"
"You wretched?"
"Intensely!"
"My poor Hester! What has occurred?—Is Mr. Chamberlayne—has he anything to do with it?"
She made no reply.
"Answer me, dear girl. Do. I have a right to know."
She continued silent.
"I insist upon knowing."
"Insist then," she replied, quietly.
"I do insist!" he said, raising his voice.