"But I am your friend, if nothing else; and the world--the world is beginning to talk about you, Maurice!" "About me!" He has drawn back with a sharp pang.

She sees that this new idea that touches him, or that little fool (as she has designated Tita in her mind), has destroyed his interest in her for the moment.
"Yes! Be warned in time." "Who is daring to talk about me ?" "Not about you directly; but about Lady Rylton." Some strange feeling compels him to put a fresh question for her, though he knows what the answer will be.
"My mother ?" "This is unworthy of you," says Marian slowly.

"No; I meant Tita!".