And I can assure you that though I consent to hear what you have to
say, or ask, NOTHING will change my determination. All is over
between us."

MR. RICHARDS: "Yes, I understand that, perfectly. I am now asking
merely for general information. I do not expect you to relent, and,
in fact, I should consider it rather frivolous if you did. No. What
I have always admired in your character, Lucy, is a firm, logical
consistency; a clearness of mental vision that leaves no side of a
subject unsearched; and an unwavering constancy of purpose. You may
say that these traits are characteristic of ALL women; but they are
pre-eminently characteristic of you, Lucy." Miss Galbraith looks
askance at him, to make out whether he is in earnest or not; he
continues, with a perfectly serious air. "And I know now that if
you're offended with me, it's for no trivial cause." She stirs
uncomfortably in her chair. What I have done I can't imagine, but
it must be something monstrous, since it has made life with me appear
so impossible that you are ready to fling away your own happiness--
for I know you DID love me, Lucy--and destroy mine. I will begin
with the worst thing I can think of. Was it because I danced so much
with Fanny Watervliet?"

MISS GALBRAITH, indignantly: "How can you insult me by supposing
that I could be jealous of such a perfect little goose as that? No,
Allen! Whatever I think of you, I still respect you too much for
that."

MR. RICHARDS: "I'm glad to hear that there are yet depths to which
you think me incapable of descending, and that Miss Watervliet is one
of them. I will now take a little higher ground. Perhaps you think