He repeated his last words in louder and sterner tones: "What does it mean ?" She replied this time.

His tone had hurt her--his tone had roused her sinking courage.
"It means, Mr.Wardour, that you have been mistaken from the first." "How have I been mistaken ?" "You have been under a wrong impression, and you have given me no opportunity of setting you right." "In what way have I been wrong ?" "You have been too hasty and too confident about yourself and about me.
You have entirely misunderstood me.

I am grieved to distress you, but for your sake I must speak plainly.

I am your friend always, Mr.
Wardour.

I can never be your wife." He mechanically repeated the last words.