Rotha was so astonished at this way of receiving her words that she hesitated.
"I am sorry, certainly, that I should have spoken rudely," she said.
"But not sorry for what you said?"
"You are splitting hairs, my dear!" said Mr. Busby impatiently.
"Let her answer—" said his wife.
"I do not know how to answer," said Rotha slowly, and thinking how to choose her words. "I am sorry for my ill-manners and unbecoming behaviour; I beg pardon for that. Is there anything else to ask pardon for?"
"You do not answer."
"What else can I say?" Rotha returned with some spirit. "I am not apologizing for thoughts or feelings, but for my improper behaviour. Shall I not be forgiven?"
"Then your feeling is not changed?" said the lady with a sharp look at her.
Rotha thought, It would be difficult for her feeling to change, under the reigning system. She did not answer.