"If
you persist in being at swords' points with Miss Wildmere--" he began,
hesitatingly.
"I persist in being simply myself, and true to my own perceptions.
Wherein have I failed in courtesy toward Miss Wildmere?"
"But you dislike her most cordially."
"And you like her most cordially and more. Have I not granted your
perfect right to do so?"
"If you were even the friend you claim to be, you would not be so
indifferent."
"I have not said I was indifferent. Miss Wildmere is far from
indifferent to me. What have I done to gain her ill-will?"
"Much, as human nature goes. You have made yourself her rival in
beauty and attractiveness."
"Is that human nature? If that is the cause of her hostility I should
say it is Miss Wildmere's nature."
"Let us change the subject," said Graydon, a little irritably.
"We shall not agree on this point, I fear; you share in Henry's
prejudices."
"I did not introduce the subject, Graydon, and I think for myself."
"Hang it all, Madge! you are so changed I scarcely know you. Every
time we meet I find you more of a conundrum. Friend, indeed! You
certainly have been a distant one in every sense. If I had been the
friend you say I was, you would have written me about the marvellous
transformation you were accomplishing.
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