"But have you known him? Did you know him long ago?"

"I have never known him."

"Then I don't understand. And--and I will not act in ignorance. It isn't
fair to expect me to do that."

"I have done all that I can do," said Lady Sellingworth, with a sort of
despair, taking her hand from the girl's arm.

"Very well."

Beryl moved and went slowly towards the door. Lady Sellingworth stood
looking after her. She thought the hideous interview was over. But she
did not know Beryl even yet, did not realize even yet the passionate
force of curiosity which possessed Beryl at this moment. When the girl
was not far from the door, and when Lady Sellingworth was reaching out
her hand to touch the bell in order that the footman might know that her
visitor was leaving her, Beryl turned round.

"Adela!" she said.

"Yes. What is it?"

"Perhaps you think that I have been very persistent to-night, that I
have almost cross-examined you."

"I don't blame you. It is natural that you wished to know more."

"Yes, it is natural, because Mr. Arabian wants me to marry him."

"To marry him!"

Lady Sellingworth started forward impulsively.

"Marry? He wants--you--you--"

"He loves me. He has asked me to marry him."

She turned away, and went to the door and opened it.

"Beryl, come here!"

"Why?"

"Beryl!"

"But what is the good? You refuse to tell me anything, I tell you
everything. Now you understand why I feel angry at these horrible
accusations."

"You don't mean to tell me you have ever dreamed of marrying such a
man!"

"Don't abuse him! I don't wish to hear him abused. I hate it. I won't
have it."

"But--Beryl! But only a few days ago you as good as told me you cared
for Alick Craven. You--you gave me to understand that you liked him very
much, that you--"

"Oh, this is intolerable!" said Miss Van Tuyn. "Really! Why do you
interfere in my life like this? What have I done to set you against me?
You talk of being my friend, but you do everything you can to upset
my happiness. It is enough that I like anyone for you to try to come
between us. First it was Alick Craven! Now it is Mr. Arabian! It is
unbearable. You have had your life. You have had a splendid life,
everything any woman could wish to have. I am a girl. I am only
beginning. Why can't you leave me alone? Why can't you let me have some
happiness without thrusting yourself in and trying to spoil everything
for me? Won't you ever have had enough? Ever si