"It wasn't William--that I loved." "But _Bertram!_--it's so absurd." "Absurd!" The smile was gone now.
"Yes.

Forgive me, Billy, but I was about as much surprised to hear of Bertram's engagement as I was of Cyril's." Billy grew a little white.
"But Bertram was never an avowed--woman-hater, like Cyril, was he ?" "'Woman-hater'-- dear me, no! He was a woman-lover, always.

As if his eternal 'Face of a Girl' didn't prove that! Bertram has always loved women--to paint.

But as for his ever taking them seriously--why, Billy, what's the matter ?" Billy had risen suddenly.
"If you'll excuse me, please, just a few minutes," Billy said very quietly.

"I want to speak to Rosa in the kitchen.