"If he cared for me last year why didn't he ask me to marry him?"
"Because he is, comparatively speaking, a poor man, and you are rich."
"It's all nonsense, Sue. If he cared for me—in that way—he could never condemn me upon an idle rumour."
"You allow nothing for jealousy. He thought you were encouraging Rannock, and that you meant to marry him."
"And I had refused the wretch three times," said Grace, despairingly.
"What was the good of refusing him if you let him hang about you—lunch at your house twice a week—dance attendance upon you at Ascot and Henley?"
"Yes, it was foolish, I suppose. Everybody can tell me so, now it is too late. Good-bye, Sue. Don't lay any more traps for me, please. Your diplomacy doesn't answer."
"I'm sorry he behaved like a bear; but I am glad you have met, in spite of his coldness. I know he loves you."
"And you think that an ostracized person like me ought to be grateful for any man's regard?"
"No, Grace; but I think Arthur Haldane is just the one man whose affection you value."