'We don't call young men cruel, Miss Bonner.' 'But were they not?
To take advantage of what Rose told them--it was base!' She had said more than she intended, possibly, for she coloured under his inquiring look, and added: 'I wish I could say the same as you of Beckley.

Do you know, I am called Rose's thorn ?' 'Not by Miss Jocelyn herself, certainly!' 'How eager you are to defend her.

But am I not--tell me--do I not look like a thorn in company with her ?' 'There is but the difference that ill health would make.' 'Ill health?
Oh, yes! And Rose is so much better born.' 'To that, I am sure, she does not give a thought.' 'Not Rose?
Oh!' An exclamation, properly lengthened, convinces the feelings more satisfactorily than much logic.

Though Evan claimed only the hand-kerchief he had won, his heart sank at the sound.

Miss Bonner watched him, and springing forward, said sharply: 'May I tell you something ?' 'You may tell me what you please.' 'Then, whether I offend you or not, you had better leave this.' 'I am going,' said Evan.