to contaminate him for life!" I repudiated the reiterated word with all my might.

I had never used it, even in my thoughts; it had never once occurred to me in connection with her.

Had I not shown as much?
Had I behaved as though I feared contamination for myself?
I rapped out these questions with undue triumph, in my heat, only to perceive their second edge as it cut me to the quick.
"But you were playing a part," retorted Mrs.Lascelles.

"You don't deny it.

Are you proud of it, that you rub it in?
Or are you going to begin denying it now ?" Unfortunately, that was impossible.