"I leave that to you to answer," she said gravely, and he suddenly felt in her a womanly dignity of which he had not before been conscious. "I don't myself think that any good is to be gained by entering into explanations. You know in your heart that what I say is best for us both." "I know nothing of the sort," he exclaimed; and indeed at this moment he would not acknowledge to himself that it was best. He had not wished to hurry on their marriage, but that was a different matter from giving up Phillis. And he could not help feeling that it was possible she might carry out her determination. But yesterday he would have smiled at the idea that he could not influence her in any direction he pleased. He had never understood her, and shyness had seemed to him such a marked feature in her character, that he had looked upon her as one who would be always willing to follow where others led, without attempting to exercise an independent judgment. In her words to-day, still more perhaps in her manner, there was a quiet resolution which for ever upset these preconceived ideas. This was no shy unformed girl, but a woman strong in her self-respect and self-control. "Phillis," he said, and there was greater warmth in his tone than he had ever shown her before, "for pity's sake don't let a vague fancy separate us. If you say nothing definite, how can I defend myself?" He half expected her to answer that she did not accuse him; but she did not, although she seemed to ponder over his words. "It is not a vague fancy," she said presently, and she spoke very quietly and sadly; "it is a conviction, which you will by-and-by acknowledge yourself." "But--it is impossible--you don't really mean that it is all over between us? What reason can we give the Leytons--my uncle?" "I will explain to both." He walked away from her to the other side of the room, standing staring at a picture of Signorelli's without seeing it. She sat where he had left her, feeling as if she could not move, as if her own hands had wrecked her peace, as if for the moment she would give all she had to undo what she had done. And it was not over yet, though her strength failed as he left her side. He came back quickly. "Have you really considered the bearings of the case? Hetherton, for instance?" "I am very sorry for you," she said faintly. "How sorry I cannot say. But there is no one nearer. I think Mr Thornton must retract his words when he hears that this has been my doing." "But what will be your own position?" Jack said with a certain effort. She looked at him in bewilderment for a minute; then, as his meaning flashed on her, started to her feet. The tears sprang into her eyes, her voice trembled, but all her strength had come back.