"You know," she began eagerly, "that I am the——?" then she stopped.
Stephen waited courteously for the end of the sentence that was never to be finished. He felt no curiosity at her sudden breaking off; it seemed to him that curiosity and interest, except on one subject, were over for him forever.
When Lady Dacre repeated this story to her husband she finished by saying: "Why do you suppose it is, Temple, that my heart goes out to the married one?"
"Natural perversity, my dear."
"Then you think she is married?"
"Don't know; it is very probable."
"Poor Archdale!"
Sir Temple burst into a laugh. "Is he poor, Archdale, because you think he has made the best bargain?"
"No, you heartless man, but because he does not see it. Besides, I cannot even tell if it is so. I believe I pity everybody."
"That's a good way," responded her husband. "Then you will be sure to hit right somewhere."