He had not invited her to open defiance of the world.

'You can absolutely trust me; I am discretion itself.

All resources are at my command.' Why had she rejected with scorn and horror what was, perhaps, her great opportunity, the one hope of her struggling and sinking ambition?
She had lost faith in herself; in her power to overcome circumstances, not yet in her talent, in her artistic birthright.

Redgrave would have made her path smooth.

'I promise you a great reputation in two or three years' time.' And without disgrace, without shadow of suspicion, it would all be managed, he declared, so very easily.