she had been thinking that this friendship was a perilous one for
Gilbert, and that it would be well if John Saltram's influence over him
could be lessened somehow in the future.

"I don't believe I should ever have the power to diminish Gilbert's
regard for you, Mr. Saltram, even were I inclined to do so," she said.

"O yes, you would; your power over him will be illimitable, depend upon
it. But now I have seen you, I think you will only use it wisely."

Marian shook her head, laughing gaily.

"I am much more fitted to be ruled than to rule, Mr. Saltram," she said.
"I am utterly inexperienced in the world, you know, and Mr. Fenton is my
superior in every way."

"Your superior in years, I know, but in what else?"

"In everything else. In intellect and judgment, as well as in knowledge
of the world. You could never imagine what a quiet changeless life I have
led."

"Your intellect is so much the clearer for that, I think. It has not been
disturbed by all the narrow petty influences of a life spent in what is
called 'society.'"

Before they left the house, Gilbert and the Captain were obliged to
promise to dine at Heatherly next day, very much to the secret distaste
of the former, who must thus lose an evening with Marian, but who was
ashamed to reveal his hopeless condition by a persistent refusal.