"I had no idea I was saying anything to hurt you.

The dear old man! Why, I never resented his abuse.

I'd rather he'd abuse me, like a dog, as they say--though I don't see why anyone should want to abuse a dog--if it made you happier." Certainly, all Nelly's world was very good to her in those days.

As for Robin Drummond, he thought of women with a chivalrous tenderness somewhat strange considering that the Dowager was his mother.

To him they were something delicate, mysterious, inexplicable.