She trembled
violently.
"Are these lies I hear?" he went on, speaking with mocking emphasis.
"Can it be possible you mean to marry that cub?"
"Who has been telling you this?"
"Answer my question."
"What right have you to ask?"
"The best. You know it. Have you not been promised to me
since--since--"
"Well, do you wish me to redeem my promise? I am ready to marry you
now--to-day, if you please. Ruined as you are, reckless, unprincipled,
gambler--I know not what--"
"That's as well. But I am obliged to you; I will not trespass on your
good-nature. I shall have enough to do to keep myself."
"We might go to a colony."
"I can fancy you in the bush!"
"Anything would be preferable to the false, hollow life I lead. I want
rest. I could pray for it. I long to lay my head peacefully where--"
"Wherever you please. Try Mr. Purling's shoulder. You have my full
permission."
Phillipa's eyes flashed fire at this heartless _persiflage_.
"There is no such luck."
"Can he dare to be indifferent? How you must hate him!"
"As I did you."
"And do still? Thank you. But I wish you joy. When is it to be?"
"I tell you there is absolutely nothing between us. Mr. Purling is, to
the best of my belief, engaged already."
"Not with his mother's consent, surely? Why, then, has she made so
much of you?"
"No; not with her consent; indeed, it is quite against her wish.
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