She had aggressively emphasised the difference between his social tastes and hers.

He bore with it temporarily, till he could elaborate a plan of campaign.

Now the plan had formed itself in most unhoped completeness, and he was happy.
'What did you want with that fellow ?' he asked, coldly.
'Mr.Egremont is going to America, and I wanted to say good-bye to him.
He was my friend long before I knew you.' She rose, and would have gone; but he stopped her with a gentle hand.
'Paula, this is very unsatisfactory.' 'What do you want?
What am I to do ?' 'To sit down and listen.

As I have such very grave grounds for distrusting you, I can only pursue one course.

I must claim your entire obedience to certain commands I am now going to detail.