In the light of that she saw precisely what capital this tale-bearer sought to make.

The occasion might not be without its opportunities for her; and to begin with, it was no part of her intention that Wilding should be thus maligned and finally driven from the lists of rivalry with Blake.
Upon Wilding, indeed, and his notorious masterfulness did she found what hopes she still entertained of winning back Sir Rowland.
"Surely," said she, "you are a little hard on Mr.Wilding.You speak as if he were the first gallant that ever toasted lady's eyes." "I am no lady of his, Diana," Ruth reminded her, with a faint show of heat.
Diana shrugged her shoulders.

"You may not love him, but you can't ordain that he shall not love you.

You are very harsh, I think.

To me it rather seems that Richard acted like a boor." "But, mistress," cried Sir Rowland, half out of countenance, and stifling his vexation, "in these matters it all depends upon the manner." "Why, yes," she agreed; "and whatever Mr.Wilding's manner, if I know him at all, it would be nothing but respectful to the last degree." "My own conception of respect," said he, "is not to bandy a lady's name about a company of revellers." "Bethink you, though, you said just now, it all depended on the manner," she rejoined.