I didn't understand that she would play two at the same time." "I don't know what part she may have played to you," Isabel said; "that's between yourselves.

To me she has been honest and kind and devoted." "Devoted, of course; she wished you to marry her candidate.

She told me she was watching you only in order to interpose." "She said that to please you," the girl answered; conscious, however, of the inadequacy of the explanation.
"To please me by deceiving me?
She knows me better.

Am I pleased to-day ?" "I don't think you're ever much pleased," Isabel was obliged to reply.
"If Madame Merle knew you would learn the truth what had she to gain by insincerity ?" "She gained time, as you see.

While I waited for her to interfere you were marching away, and she was really beating the drum." "That's very well.