Afterward she remembered it.
She said quietly: "If Valerie West is a girl really sincere and meriting your respect, she will face this matter as you face it." "Yes--she would do that," he said, thoughtfully.
"Then I think that the sooner you explain matters to her--" He laughed: "_I_ don't have to explain anything to her, Lily." "What do you mean ?" "She knows how things stand.

She is perfectly aware of your world's attitude toward her.

She has not the slightest intention of forcing herself on you, or of asking your indulgence or your charity." "You mean, then, that she desires to separate you from your family--from your friends--" "No," he said wearily, "she does not desire that, either." His sister's troubled eyes rested on him in silence for a while; then: "I know she is beautiful; I am sure she is good, Louis--good in--in her own way--worthy, in her own fashion.

But, dear, is that all that you, a Neville, require of the woman who is to bear your name--bear your children ?" "She _is_ all I require--and far more." "Dear, you are utterly blinded by your infatuation!" "You do not know her." "Then let me!" exclaimed Mrs.Collis desperately.

"Let me meet her, Louis--let me talk with her--" "No....