But she dared less than ever to quarrel with Rosedale.

She suspected that her rejection rankled among the most unforgettable of his rebuffs, and the fact that he knew something of her wretched transaction with Trenor, and was sure to put the basest construction on it, seemed to place her hopelessly in his power.

Yet at Carry Fisher's suggestion a new hope had stirred in her.

Much as she disliked Rosedale, she no longer absolutely despised him.

For he was gradually attaining his object in life, and that, to Lily, was always less despicable than to miss it.