“He wouldn’t think any such thing,” said Caroline.

“I was so cruel to him that night⁠—so hard and bitter. I wouldn’t listen to what he was trying to say⁠—wouldn’t believe that he really cared. I just stood there telling him what I thought of him, and saying the coldest, cruellest things that came into my mind⁠—trying my best to hurt him.”

“Do him no harm,” said Caroline. “Never worry about what you say to a man. They’re so conceited that they never believe you mean it if it’s unflattering.”

Ursula went on nervously twisting and untwisting her hands.