But Vavasor was not so complaisant.

"If there be any reason, Alice, I think that I have a right to ask it." For a few seconds she did not speak a word, but sat considering.
He also remained silent with his eyes fixed upon her.

She looked at him and saw nothing but his scar,--nothing but his scar and the brightness of his eyes, which was almost fierce.

She knew that he was in earnest, and therefore resolved that she would be in earnest also.
"I think that you have such a right," she said at last.
"Then let me exercise it." "I think that you have such a right, but I think also that you are ungenerous to exercise it." "I cannot understand that.

By heavens, Alice, I cannot be left in this suspense! If I have done anything to offend you, perhaps I can remove the offence by apology." "You have done nothing to offend me." "Or if there be any cause why our friendship should be dropped,--why we should be on a different footing to each other in London than we were in Switzerland, I may acknowledge it, if it be explained to me.
But I cannot put up with the doubt, when I am told that I have a right to demand its solution." "Then I will be frank with you, George, though my being so will, as you may guess, be very painful." She paused again, looking at him to see if yet he would spare her; but he was all scar and eyes as before, and there was no mercy in his face.
"Your sister, George, has thought that my parting with Mr Grey might lead to a renewal of a purpose of marriage between you and me.
You know her eagerness, and will understand that it may have been necessary that I should require silence from her on that head.