"Ronald is so very, very proud," went on Violet, after a moment. "He was too proud to marry a woman who had been married to Gerald Huntington; so he invented that excuse to break with you."
"Miss Earle, I believe your views do injustice to Mr. Valchester," Jaquelina answered, with grave, sad dignity. "I am willing to admit that his views are peculiar, but I am quite, quite sure that he only acted in accordance with his honest convictions of duty."
An irrepressible sneer of scorn rose to Violet's lips.
"You must remember I have known Ronald Valchester longer than you have," she said.
"You have known him longer, but I cannot think you understand him any better than I do," Jaquelina answered with gentle sadness.
Violet bit her lip at the quiet rejoinder, but still she persevered.
"Let me give you another instance of his peculiarity," she said. "Are you aware that he entertains a most unwarrantable and ridiculous prejudice against a public life for a woman—such a life as you lead, for instance? Will you discredit this assertion also, Lina?"
"No, for I have long been aware of the fact," she replied with perfect calmness.
"Ah, then, he was frank enough to tell you so yesterday," cried Violet, with unmistakable triumph and delight.
"Oh, no! I knew his opinion years and years ago," the singer replied, simply.