Why don't you contrive to see her before she starts, and say for yourself what you have to say ?" "Nothing would please me better than that," said Croft, "but I don't believe she would give me any chance to speak with her.

Since my accident, she has persistently and pointedly refused to grant me even the shortest interview." "That ought to prove to you," said Keswick, "that she does not desire your attentions.

You should consider it as a positive answer." "Not at all," said Lawrence, "not at all.

And I don't think you would consider it a positive answer if you were in my place.

I think she has taken some offence which is entirely groundless, and if you will consent to act for me it will enable me to set straight this misunderstanding." "Confound it!" exclaimed Keswick.