But all my life everything that I have done at Perivale has always been wrong." "It would have been so natural that you and I should be friends." "If we are enemies, Captain Aylmer, I don't know it." "But if ever I venture to speak of your future life you always repel me;--as though you were determined to let me know that it should not be a matter of care to me." "That is exactly what I am determined to let you know.

You are, or will be, a rich man, and you have everything the world can give you.
I am, or shall be, a very poor woman." "Is that a reason why I should not be interested in your welfare ?" "Yes;--the best reason in the world.

We are not related to each other, though we have a common connection in dear Mrs.Winterfield.
And nothing, to my idea, can be more objectionable than any sort of dependence from a woman of my age on a man of yours,--there being no real tie of blood between them.

I have spoken very plainly, Captain Aylmer, for you have made me do it." "Very plainly," he said.
"If I have said anything to offend you, I beg your pardon; but I was driven to explain myself." Then she got up and took her bed-candle in her hand.
"You have not offended me," he said, as he also rose.
"Good-night, Captain Aylmer." He took her hand and kept it.

"Say that we are friends." "Why should we not be friends ?" "There is no reason on my part why we should not be the dearest friends," he said.