I said ‘marry’.” He seemed unmoved—even faintly amused—by the violence of her reaction.“But—why? It’s a preposterous suggestion. I’m engaged to Richard, and you and I—we don’t even like each other.”“Oh, pardon me, I’ve never said I don’t like you.”“Not in so many words, perhaps. But it’s obvious in everything you do and say.”“Is it really, Hope?” he said slowly. “I don’t mean to give that impression.—At least, not often,” he amended with dry candour. “But sit down while we discuss this.”“There’s nothing to discuss,” she retorted, but she sat down.“There’s a proposal of marriage to discuss,” he reminded her.“But I couldn’t even think of it. You know perfectly well it’s out of the question. And anyway, I’m engaged to Richard.”“And still determined to marry him, in spite of the latest revelation of his character?”“Certainly.” She flushed, but kept her temper under control.“You’re a bad judge of your own interests, my dear,”
