Even if I loved you--which I don't and never shall, for immense admiration for a man's abilities is a different thing from love [Haddington looked somewhat soothed], I could never consent to accept the position of a _pis-aller_.
That is not the Territon way." And Lady Claudia looked very proud.
"A _pis-aller_! What in the world do you mean ?" "Girls are not supposed to see anything.

But do you think I imagine you would ever have honored me in this way unless a greater prize had been--had appeared to be out of reach ?" This was not fair; but it was near enough to the mark to make Haddington a little uneasy.

Had Kate been free, he would certainly have been in doubt.
"I bear no malice about that," she continued, smiling, "only you mustn't pretend to be broken-hearted, you know." "It is a great blow to me--a great blow." Claudia looked as if she would like to say "Fudge!" but restrained herself and, with the daring characteristic of her, placed her hand on his arm.
"I am so sorry, Mr.Haddington.How it must gall you to see their happiness! I can understand you turning to me as if in self-protection.
But you should not ask a lady to marry you because you're piqued with another lady.

It isn't kind; it isn't, indeed." Haddington was a little at loss.
"Indeed, you're wholly wrong.

Lady Claudia.