I repeat that I am interested in your family and its associations because of its complete contrast with my own.' She might have added, 'And I am additionally interested just now because my uncle has forbidden me to be.' 'But you don't care enough for me personally to save my happiness.' Paula hesitated; from the moment De Stancy confronted her she had felt that this nocturnal conversation was to be a grave business.

The cathedral clock struck three.

'I have thought once or twice,' she said with a naivete unusual in her, 'that if I could be sure of giving peace and joy to your mind by becoming your wife, I ought to endeavour to do so and make the best of it--merely as a charity.

But I believe that feeling is a mistake: your discontent is constitutional, and would go on just the same whether I accepted you or no.

My refusal of you is purely an imaginary grievance.' 'Not if I think otherwise.' 'O no,' she murmured, with a sense that the place was very lonely and silent.