So I encouraged him to love me." Fitzpiers winced visibly; and yet, upon the whole, she was right in telling it.

Indeed, his perception that she was right in her absolute sincerity kept up his affectionate admiration for her under the pain of the rebuff.

Time had been when the avowal that Grace had deliberately taken steps to replace him would have brought him no sorrow.

But she so far dominated him now that he could not bear to hear her words, although the object of her high regard was no more.
"It is rough upon me--that!" he said, bitterly.

"Oh, Grace--I did not know you--tried to get rid of me! I suppose it is of no use, but I ask, cannot you hope to--find a little love in your heart for me again ?" "If I could I would oblige you; but I fear I cannot!" she replied, with illogical ruefulness.