The only effect of this speech was to depress further Miss Fenimer's
estimate of her companion's intelligence, for in her opinion Nancy's
whole life was one long black intention. Feeling this, Ned went on:

"As a matter of fact, one reason why she's so nice to him is to keep him
away from you and give me a chance."

"Not very flattering to you, is it?"

"What do you mean?"

"The assumption that the only way to make a woman take an interest in you
is to prevent her speaking to any other man."

"Oh, I didn't mean that--" Hickson began, but she interrupted him.

"That, if anything, Ned." And she turned to Wickham, who sat on her
other side.

Wickham was waiting for a little notice and began instantly.

"I have been taking the liberty of looking at your pearls, Miss Fenimer,
and indulging in such an interesting speculation. Here on the one hand,
you are wearing round your throat the equivalent of life, health and
virtue for half a hundred working girls, as young, as human, as yourself.
Are we to say this is wrong? Are we to say that beautiful jewels worn by
beautiful women are a crime against society--"

"One moment, Mr. Wickham," she said. "My pearls are imitation and cost
eight dollars and fifty cents without the clasp. But," she added cruelly,