Renie. Yes, dear, but I felt I couldn't rest under your father's unjust suspicion. [Goes up to Matt, seizes his hand sympathetically.] Dolly tells me you have been watching the friendship that all unconsciously has sprung up between Captain Wentworth and myself——

Matt. [Uncomfortable.] Not exactly watching——

Renie. I feel you may have seen, or guessed something, that has given you a wrong impression.

Matt. No, no! I assure you——

Renie. If you have, I beg you to speak out and give us a chance of defending ourselves. Tell us exactly what you have seen, and what you suspect——

Matt. My dear Mrs. Sturgess, I haven't seen anything, and I don't suspect anything.

Renie. You really mean that?

Matt. Yes—yes——

Renie. [Clasping his hand eagerly.] Thank you so much. Friendship between a man and a woman is so misunderstood.

Matt. It is.