——about fourteen years ago. And now we have met again, and I thought she would be willing to marry me, but being so shrinking a creature, like—what shall I say—like a snail withdrawing into its shell——
[Rebecca draws back in pain.
Esther.
[Mildly deprecating.] Oh!
She would not say so in as many words.
[Rebecca looks out again.
Esther.
I am sorry for the poor girl; for, if the truth be told—But, there, you are not serious about anything!
Sachel.