"Yes, but you would have all these things a thousand times multiplied if
you were married.

Look at all the restraints and restrictions to which girls are
subjected where married women simply please themselves. Why, you are
absolutely hedged round with conventions. You can scarcely go for a ride
with a man of your acquaintance in broad daylight without endangering
your reputation. What would they say--your cousin and Mrs. Abingdon--if
they knew that you were here with me now? They would hold up their hands
in horror."

The girl's thoughts flashed suddenly to Caryl. How much freedom might
she expect from him?

"It's all very well," she said, with a touch of petulance, "but
easy-going husbands don't grow on every gooseberry-bush. I have never
yet met the man who wouldn't want to arrange my life in every detail if
I married him."

"Yes, you have," said Brandon.

He spoke with deliberate emphasis, and she knew that as he spoke he
looked at her in a manner that there could be no mistaking. Her heart
quickened a little, and she felt the colour rise in her face.

"Do you know that I am engaged to Vivian Caryl?" she said.

"Perfectly," he answered. "I also know that you have not the smallest
intention of marrying him."