"She does not feel one bit like a fool, Miss Rolph; and her self-respect is not crushed at all. Far from wishing to crush her, I am ready to humble myself, and take the blame of what I did not bring about, and, heaven knows, had no wish should happen."
"Then you did not wish Maida Springer to run away as she did? If she had stayed, would you have proposed to marry her? You took a curious way to show your intentions."
"Maida Springer! What have I to do with her? And what have you to do with Maida Springer?"
"She is a particular friend of mine. I have a high opinion of Maida Springer, and I think you have behaved to her like a ruffian."
"We are old friends. I have always wished her well, and she wishes me well, I am sure. An unkind word has never passed between us, and we have been constantly together for--let me see--all the time I have been staying here."
"I know that; and when a single man devotes himself in that open way to an unmarried woman, what does it mean, if not marriage? Was it honourable of you, Bertie Roe, to behave like that?"
"I do not consider myself a single man, Miss Rolph. I never shall--unless--unless--which God forbid!"
"Did you tell her you did not consider yourself single?"
"How could I, Miss Rolph? Do you think a man is made of wood and leather?"
"Then you left her to believe that you were single, Bertie Roe; and you should be ashamed of yourself. You told her--I have it from herself--that you were not married."