"The true reason I fear is, that the rule I have spoken of does not apply to you and myself."
"The rule——?"
"That we follow our particular friends—or rather that the gentlemen do. I fear you do not regard me in that light."
Mowbray could only say:
"Why should I not, madam?"
Philippa paused for a moment; and then said, smiling:
"Shall I tell you?"
"Yes."
"I fancy then that something which I said in our last interview offended you."
This was a home thrust, and Mowbray could not reply.