Tell me then--is there at this moment any woman living who has a claim upon you--a moral claim ?' 'No such woman exists.' 'But--do we speak the same language ?' 'Surely,' he answered with great earnestness.

'There is no woman to whom I am bound by any kind of obligation.' A long wave rolled up, broke, and retreated, whilst Rhoda stood in silent uncertainty.
'I must put the question in another way.

During the past month--the past three months--have you made profession of love--have you even pretended love--to any woman ?' 'To no woman whatever,' he answered firmly.
'That satisfies me.' 'If I knew what is in your mind!' exclaimed Everard, laughing.

'What sort of life have you imagined for me?
Is this the result of Mary's talk ?' 'Not immediately.' 'Still, she planted the suspicion.

Believe me, you have been altogether mistaken.