Is he still in that perverse state of mind that afflicted you so much ?" Rowland looked at her mistrustfully, without answering.

He was indisposed, instinctively, to tell her that Roderick was unhappy; it was possible she might offer to help him back to happiness.

She immediately perceived his hesitation.
"I see no reason why we should not be frank," she said.

"I should think we were excellently placed for that sort of thing.

You remember that formerly I cared very little what I said, don't you?
Well, I care absolutely not at all now.