Looked at through his eyes the position was indeed cruel.
Yet, deeply as she sympathised with him in his disappointment, Stella never for one moment wavered in her determination.

Marry Mr.Layard! Her blood shrank back to her heart at the very thought, and then rushed to her neck and bosom in a flood of shame.

No, she was sorry, but that was impossible, a thing which no woman should be asked to do against her will.
The subject wearied her, but as brooding on it could not mend matters, she dismissed it from her mind, and turned her thoughts to Morris.

Why, she did not know, but something had come between them; he was vexed with her, and what was more, disappointed; she could feel it well enough, and--she found his displeasure painful.

What had she done wrong, how had she offended him?
Surely it could not be--and once again that red blush spread itself over face and bosom.