Confound him!" Sadie was silent for a few moments and then gave Charnock a searching look.

"Anyhow, I don't see why that should make you mad.

You let her go and took me instead.

Do you reckon she'd have been as patient with you as I am ?" "No," said Charnock, rather drearily.

"Helen isn't patient, and I dare say I'd have broken her heart.