_Miss Galbraith_: “Why, how can I, when I haven’t _been_ rash? _What_ have I been rash”— _Mr. Richards_: “About the cigar-case, for example.” _Miss Galbraith_: “Oh! _that_! That was a great while ago! I thought you meant something quite recent.” A sound as of the approaching tram 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. Richards_: “Well.” _Miss Galbraith_, 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. Nobody could have done differently under the circumstances. But if I caused you any pain, I’m very sorry; oh, 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. Richards_: “Why, if you have no doubt upon the subject, my opinion is of no consequence.” _Miss Galbraith_: “Yes. But what do you think? If you think differently, and can make me see it differently, oughtn’t you to do so?” _Mr. Richards_: “I don’t see why. As you say, all is over between us.” _Miss Galbraith_: “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. Richards_: “I don’t.” _Miss Galbraith_, 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. Richards_: “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 Galbraith_, with sudden violence: “Say it, and take your revenge! I have put myself at your feet, and you do right to trample on me! Oh, 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. Richards_, relenting: “Yes, but if it will ease your mind, I’ll go and look again.” He rises, and starts towards the rear door. _Miss Galbraith_, quickly: “Oh, no! Don’t go! I can’t bear to be left alone!” The sound of the approaching train continually increases in volume. “Oh, isn’t it coming very, very, _very_ fast?” _Mr. Richards_: “No, no! Don’t be frightened.”