Neither their praise nor blame would have affected her one iota at the moment.

All that mattered was whether, without in the least intending to do it, she had cut the cords which bound her so irrevocably.

Was it conceivable that Roger's pride would be so stung by her action in running away from Trenby Hall during his absence that he would never wish to see her again--far less make her his wife?
She had never contemplated the matter from that angle.

But now, as Ralph put it before her, she realised that the attitude he indicated might reasonably be that of most men in similar circumstances.
Her heart beat deliriously at the very thought.

If release came this way--by Roger's own decision--she would be free to take it! The price of the blunder she had made when she pledged herself to him--a price which was so much heavier than she could possibly have imagined--would be remitted.
And from the depths of her soul a fervent, disjointed prayer went up to heaven: "God, God, please don't let him forgive me--don't let him ever forgive me!".