“What, indeed! Whose fault was it that I was time after time refused admittance at Andover? Whose fault was it that you were induced to marry Carstares?”

“Not Tracy’s. ’Twas my own wish.”

“Fostered by his influence?”

“Oh, no!”

“You never loved Carstares⁠—”

“I did! I do!”

“You may think so, but I know better. Why, he is not even suited to you! You were made for life and pleasure and hazard! With me you would have had all that; with him⁠—”

She had risen to her feet and drawn nearer to him, her eyes sparkling, but now she covered her ears with her hands and stamped pettishly.