(_With a smile._) My dear, there's some mistake here. I said just now that I was inexperienced. But there are some things that even dim eyes cannot help seeing, and I'm sure that--forgive me, my dear, I'm only an old fellow--that he cared for you very much. PRIMROSE DEANE. (_Looking out of window._) He--he made me think so. ADAM CHERRY. And then you quarrelled? PRIMROSE DEANE. No--he changed--all of a sudden just as--as if he had found out something bad against me--and--and I've never done anything bad--not, not _very_ bad (_choking a sob_). Do you think anybody could have said anything to set him against me? ADAM CHERRY. Oh, impossible! What could---- Wait a minute, though. There's one thing somebody might have told him about you that would have been enough to send Master Ted off at double quick march. PRIMROSE DEANE. What? ADAM CHERRY. Can't you think? PRIMROSE DEANE. N-no. Is there anything very dreadful about me, then? ADAM CHERRY. Yes, my dear--to a young fellow as proud as he is poor--your money. PRIMROSE DEANE. My money! Won't anybody ever lo--like me then because I've got some money? ADAM CHERRY. Plenty, my dear. But pennyless young men who fall in love with heiresses are liable to be dubbed "fortune-hunters," and our high-spirited young friend---- PRIMROSE DEANE. (_Interrupting petulantly._) Rather than risk that, would sacrifice all his life's happiness. I call it very horrid and--and very selfish of him. ADAM CHERRY. It's very silly, my dear, but depend upon it that's the explanation. You---- (_Primrose, when she entered, left the door a little open, and now Ted is heard whistling as he comes downstairs. Primrose is in front of easy-chair. Cherry pushes her down into it and stands before her._) ADAM CHERRY. Tell him what you think of him. (_Enter Ted, still smoking his pipe._) TED MORRIS. Do you mind my sitting down here for a little while, Cherry? I'm tired of walking about the streets, and I'm not feeling in good enough condition to sit out Travers' wit and humour. I've left him upstairs with Nelly. ADAM CHERRY. Certainly, my dear boy. Stop here as long as ever you like and make yourself comfortable. I'll be back in a few minutes. (_He goes out._) TED MORRIS. (_He strolls to window, whistling, and looks out._) It's a damned world. (Primrose coughs.) TED MORRIS. (_Startled, he looks round and sees Primrose._) I--I beg your pardon, Miss Deane. I had no idea _you_ were here. PRIMROSE DEANE. Is that the way you usually talk when I'm _not_ here? TED MORRIS. (_Smiling._) Not always (_Gloomily again._) The truth is I'm a bit down on my luck just now, and---- PRIMROSE DEANE. (_Kindly_) I know. Nelly has been telling me. I am so very sorry. TED MORRIS. Thank you, Miss Deane, I knew you would be. PRIMROSE DEANE. (_Frigidly._) Oh, did you? I don't think you had any right to assume it after your conduct at out last interview. I suppose you know that I'm excessively angry with you. TED MORRIS.