She did not care for him, except as a relative, and she never expected to marry at all. She was not looking at him, and was evidently speaking under strong feeling.
Jacquelin’s hopes were all dashed to the ground. His throat felt parched, and when he tried to speak again his lips did not frame his words easily.
“May I ask if you care for anyone else?” he demanded, in a constrained voice.
“She did not know that he had any right to ask her such a question. She had already told him that she never expected to marry anyone.” She had grown more formal.
Jacquelin was sure now that she cared for Middleton, and she had simply misled Steve.
“What did you tell Steve?” he asked.
She faced him, her figure quite straight and strong, her flashing eyes fastened searchingly on his face.
“So that’s the reason you have come! Steve told you to come, and you have come to say what he told you to say. Well, go back to him and tell him I say he was mistaken.” Her lip curled as she turned on her heel.
“No—no—Blair—wait one moment!” But she had walked slowly into the house, and Jacquelin saw her climb the stair.