"I cannot see the number at this distance." "Do you defend her conduct on the ground of that senseless and cruel caprice which your sex seem to consider becoming to them; or has she changed her mind in my absence ?" "Oh! you are talking of Marian.

I do not know what you have to complain of in her conduct.

Mind, she has never breathed a word to me on the subject.

I am quite ignorant of the details of your difference with her.
But she has confessed to me that she is very sorry for what passed--I am abusing her confidence by telling you so--and I am a woman, with eyes and brains, and know what the poor girl feels well enough.

I will tell you nothing more: I have no right to; and Marian would be indignant if she knew how much I have said already.