'Who dares?' cried Rose. 'Never to me!'
'Contempt of what I spring from, Rose. Names used . . . Names are used . . .'
'Tush!—names!' said Rose, reddening. 'How cowardly that is! Have you finished? Oh, faint heart! I suppose I'm not a fair lady, or you wouldn't have won me. Now, come. Remember, Evan, I conceal nothing; and if anything makes you wretched here, do think how I love you.'
In his own firm belief he had said everything to arrest her in her course, and been silenced by transcendent logic. She thought the same.
Rose made up to the conclave under the maple.
The voices hushed as they approached.
'Capital weather,' said Rose. 'Does Harry come back from London to-morrow—does anybody know?'
'Not aware,' Laxley was heard to reply.
'I want to speak a word to you, Rose,' said Mrs. Shorne.
'With the greatest pleasure, my dear aunt': and Rose walked after her.