But Pip was never rude to her. Obviously there was something more to come. She waited patiently. Pip gave no sign.
Presently feminine curiosity overcame pride, and she asked,—
"What do you mean by 'in this case'?"
"I mean this," said Pip. "I don't like losing matches at any time,—nobody does,—but in this case, your case, I was glad."
"Oh! Why?"
"At first it was because I couldn't bear to see you beaten after the plucky fight you made. I've often felt the same thing at cricket, when some chap is sticking in to keep the last wicket up, and I am put on to knock it down. Admiration for a gallant foe, and all that, you know. But now I am glad for quite another reason—jolly glad!" He gave the girl a look that was quite new to her.
"Why are you glad, Pip?" she asked, not unkindly.
"Well, I had a good long think just now, up on that green, and a lot of things were made plain to me that had never struck me before. First of all, I realised that you had been quite right."
"Right? About what?"
"About this golf-match being contrary to Nature. Love affairs aren't built that way. I had no right to try and force such terms on you. I see that now. I tried to drive you into a corner. It was a low-down trick, though I thought it a fair enough offer at the time. I was quite sincere."