"Of course. And I shall be independent; you may rely on that."
"We heard it rumoured some time ago that you were likely to lose your independence, Miss Dallory."
"I! In what way?"
"By getting married."
Their eyes met for a moment, and then dropped. Miss Dallory laughed lightly.
"Did the news penetrate as far as this? Well, it never was 'likely,' Mr. Richard North. A--gentleman asked me; but I had reason to suppose that he wanted my money more than he did myself, and so--nothing came of it."
"Who was he?"
"It would not be fair to tell you."
"Thank you for correcting me," spoke Richard, in his earnest way. "I ought to feel shame for asking. I beg your pardon; and his."
Happening to glance at the young lady, he saw that her face had turned crimson. A rare thing for Miss Dallory. She was too self-possessed to display emotion on light occasions.