"Do you speak from a suspicion of your own ?" "I speak, at last, from a torment.

Forgive me if it comes out.

I've been thinking for months and months, and I've no one to turn to, no one to help me to make things out; no impression but my own, don't you see?
to go by." "You've been thinking for months and months ?" Mrs.Assingham took it in.
"But WHAT then, dear Maggie, have you been thinking ?" "Well, horrible things--like a little beast that I perhaps am.

That there may be something--something wrong and dreadful, something they cover up." The elder woman's colour had begun to come back; she was able, though with a visible effort, to face the question less amazedly.

"You imagine, poor child, that the wretches are in love?
Is that it ?" But Maggie for a minute only stared back at her.