"No," he said, "it was not; but I am in the habit of using quotation when I think it illustrates my meaning, and those lines struck me as being rather apt. However, we come back to the fact that Paul Derinzy was, and I believe is, very much in love with you. From what he gave me to understand, I believe I am right in saying that that passion was at one time returned. I believe--I wish to touch as lightly as possible on unpleasant matters--I believe that recently there has been some interruption of the pleasant relation which existed between you--an interruption emanating from you--and that Paul has consequently been very much out of spirits. Am I right?" "You are very frank and candid with me, Mr. Wainwright," said Daisy, "and I will endeavour to answer you in the same manner. I perfectly admit that the position which Mr. Derinzy and I occupy towards each other is changed, and changed by my desire." "You will not think me impertinent or exacting--you certainly will not when you know all I have to tell you--if I ask what was the reason for that change?" Daisy's face flushed for an instant, then she said: "A woman's reason--because I wished it." George nodded as though he perfectly comprehended her; but he gazed at her all the time. "May I ask, has this altered state of feeling come to a head? has there been any open and decisive rupture between you lately?" "If you are not sufficiently in Mr. Derinzy's confidence to have that information from him, I scarcely think you ought to ask it of me," said Daisy. "Unfortunately, Mr. Derinzy, is not at present in a position to answer me." "Not in a position to---- What do you mean?" asked Daisy, leaning forward. "I will tell you before I go," said George. "In the meantime, perhaps you will kindly reply to me." "There has been no actual quarrel between us," said the girl--"that is to say, no personal quarrel; but----" and she spoke with so much hesitation, that George instantly said: "But you have taken some decisive action." Daisy was silent. "You have told him that all must be over between you; that you would not see him again, or something to that effect." "I--I wrote him a letter conveying that decision," said Daisy slowly. "And you addressed to him----" "As usual, at his club." "By Jove, that's it!" said George, springing up. "Now, Miss Stafford, let me tell you the effect of that letter. Paul Derinzy was picked up from the floor of the club-library in a fit!" "Good God!" cried Daisy.