She had been too long under the tutelage of Old Jimmie, and his teachings were now too thoroughly the fiber of her very being, for her to alter permanently.

She might change temporarily under the urge of an emotional revelation; but she would surely revert to her present self.

There was no doubt of that.
And the Duchess gave weight to other considerations--all human, yet all in some measure specious.

Joe Ellison was happy in his dream, and would be happy in it all the rest of his life.

Why tell the truth and destroy his precious illusion ?--especially when there was no chance to change Maggie?
And further, she recalled the terrific temper that had lived within the composed demeanor of Joe Ellison.