Anyhow, I can't imagine that you would have left her alone with him as you did--and with bad feeling between you--at the mercy of her own reckless impulses and that of Willoughby Maule's ardent love-making.

She doesn't pretend that it wasn't ardent, or that he did not do his best to get her to run away with him--or that the old infatuation did not come back to a slight extent--Is it surprising after your conduct?
No wonder she compared his devotion favourably, with yours.

Colin, your leaving her in such conditions wasn't the act of a MAN, of a gentleman.

I speak strongly, but I can't help it.

I know your stubborn pride and obstinacy, but you were wrong, you have disappointed me--oh! how bitterly you have disappointed me! Then there was that business about the blacks.