n. That was unreasonable; in giving
way, you declared yourself convinced. And the reproach I certainly
didn't deserve, for I had behaved conscientiously.'

'Isn't it allowed me to disapprove of what your conscience dictates?'

'Not when you have taken the same view, and acted upon it. I don't lay
claim to many virtues, and I haven't that of meekness. I could never
endure anger; my nature resents it.'

'I did wrong to speak angrily, but indeed I hardly knew what I was
saying. I had suffered a terrible shock. I loved that poor girl; I
loved her all the more for what I had seen of her since she came to
implore my help. Your utter coldness--it seemed to me inhuman--I shrank
from you. If your face had shown ever so little compassion--'

'I _felt_ no compassion.'

'No. You have hardened your heart with theory. Guard yourself, Rhoda!
To work for women one must keep one's womanhood. You are becoming--you
are wandering as far from the true way--oh, much further than Bell a
did!'

'I can't answer you. When we argued about our differences in a friendly
spirit, all was permissible; now if I spoke my thought it would be mere
harshness and cause of embitterment. I fear all is at an end between
us. I should perpetually remind you of this sorrow.'

There was a silence of some length. Rhoda turned away, and stood in
reflection.

'Let us do nothing hastily,' said Miss Barfoot. 'We have more to think
of than our own feelings.'

'I have said that I am quite willing to go on with my work, but it must
be on a different footing. The relation between us can no longer be
that of equals. I am content to follow your directions. But your
dislike of me will make this impossible.'

'Dislike? You misunderstand me wretchedly. I think rather it is you who
dislike me, as a weak woman with no command of her emotions.'

Again they ceased from speech. Presently Miss Barfoot stepped forward.

'Rhoda, I shall be away all to-morrow; I may not return to London until
Monday morning. Will you think quietly over it all? Believe me, I am
not angry with you, and as for disliking you--what nonsense are we
talking! But I can't regret that I let you see how painfully your
behaviour impressed me. That hardness is not natural to you. You have
encouraged yourself in it, and you are warping a very noble character.'

'I wish only to be honest. Where you felt compassion I felt
indignation.'

'Yes; we have gone through all that. The indignation was a forced,