If it _had_ been, I think I should feel more offended than sorry." "Offended ?" "That he had taken for granted that I had no will of my own, and no influence with my aunt." "It seems rather faint-hearted, I admit." The dialogue lasted but a few minutes longer.

May repeated once or twice that she had no personal interest in Lashmar's fortunes, but her utterance grew mechanical, and she was evidently withdrawing into her thoughts.

As a clock in the room told softly the first hour of the morning, Mrs.Toplady rose; she spoke a few words about her engagements for the day which had nominally begun, then kissed her friend on the cheek.
"Don't think any more of it, May.

It mustn't interfere with your sleep." "That indeed it won't, Mrs.Toplady!" replied the girl, with a musically mocking laugh.
Appearances notwithstanding, May told the truth when she declared that she had never thought of marrying Lashmar.

This, however, did not necessarily involve an indifference to Lashmar's homage.