"I don't care who knows it," she retorted, with a little toss of her head.

"I did not think it _necessary_ to let Arthur into the secret, as you call it (I don't consider it one), but neither did I see any objection to his knowing about it." "Then, let me request you to say no more on the subject to any one," he said, with vexation.
"I sha'n't promise," she muttered, half under her breath.

But he heard it.
"Very well, then, I forbid it; and you have promised to obey me." "And you promised that it should always be love and coaxing," she said, in tones trembling with pain and passion.

"I'll have to tell Ella something about it." "Then, say only what is quite necessary," he returned, his tones softening.
Then, after a moment's silence, in which Zoe's face was turned from him so that he could not see its expression, "Won't you go now, and ask if Miss Deane is any easier?
Surely, as her hostess, you should do so much." "No, I won't! I'll do all I can to make her comfortable; I'll provide her with society more agreeable to her than mine; I'll see that she has interesting reading-matter, if she wants it; I'll do any thing and every thing I can, except that; but you needn't ask that of me." "O Zoe! I had thought you would do a harder thing than that at my request," he said reproachfully.
Ignoring his remark, she went on, "I just believe she fell and hurt herself purposely, that she might have an excuse for prolonging her visit, and continuing to torment me." "Zoe, Zoe, how shockingly uncharitable you are!" he exclaimed.

"I could never have believed it of you! We are told, 'Charity thinketh no evil.' Do try not to judge so harshly." He left the room; and Zoe indulged in a hearty cry, but hastily dried her eyes, and turned her back toward the door, as she heard his step approaching again.
He just looked in, saying, "Zoe, I am going to drive over to Roselands for Ella: will you go along ?" "No.