_Miss G._--"Oh! _That!_ That was a great while ago! I thought you meant something quite recent." A sound as of the approaching train is heard in the distance. She gives a start, and then leaves her chair again for one a little nearer his. "I thought perhaps you meant about--last night." _Mr. R._--"Well?" _Miss G._, very judicially.--"I don't think it was _rash_ exactly. No, not _rash_. It might not have been very _kind_ not to--to--trust you more, when I knew that you didn't mean anything; but-- No, I took the only course I could. _No_body could have done differently under the circumstances. But if I caused you any pain, I'm very sorry; O yes, very sorry indeed. But I was not precipitate, and I know I did right. At least I _tried_ to act for the best. Don't you believe I did?" _Mr. R._--"Why, if you have no doubt upon the subject, my opinion is of no consequence." _Miss G._--"Yes. But what do you think? If you think differently, and can make me see it differently, oughtn't you to do so?" _Mr. R._--"I don't see why. As you say, all is over between us." _Miss G._--"Yes." After a pause, "I should suppose you would care enough for _yourself_ to wish me to look at the matter from the right point of view." _Mr. R._--"I don't." _Miss G._, becoming more and more uneasy as the noise of the approaching train grows louder.--"I think _you_ have been very quick with _me_ at times, quite as quick as I could have been with you last night." The noise is more distinctly heard. "I'm sure that if I could once see it as you do, _no_ one would be more willing to do anything in their power to atone for their rashness. Of course I know that everything is over." _Mr. R._--"As to that, I have your word; and, in view of the fact, perhaps this analysis of motive, of character, however interesting on general grounds, is a little"-- _Miss G._, with sudden violence.--"Say it, and take your revenge! I have put myself at your feet, and you do right to trample on me! O, this is what women may expect when they trust to men's generosity! Well, it is over now, and I'm thankful, thankful! Cruel, suspicious, vindictive, you're all alike, and I'm glad that I'm no longer subject to your heartless caprices. And I don't care what happens after this, I shall always--Oh! You're sure it's from the front, Allen? Are you sure the rear signal is out?" _Mr. R._, relenting.--"Yes, but if it will ease your mind, I'll go and look again." He rises and starts towards the rear door. _Miss G._, quickly.--"O no! Don't go! I can't bear to be left alone!" The sound of the approaching train continually increases in volume. "O, isn't it coming very, very, _very_ fast?" _Mr. R._--"No, no! Don't be frightened."