I have no power to convince you of the grievous error which you commit.

But if you cared for me, as you say you do ..." "If I cared!" he murmured, with a pathetic emphasis on that little word "if." "As a friend I mean," she rejoined still cold, still cruel, still womanlike in that strange, inexplicable desire to wound the man who loved her.

"If you care for me as a friend, you will not throw yourself any more in the way of my happiness.

Now you may escort me home, an you wish.

This is the last time that I shall speak to you as a friend, in response to your petty attacks on the man whom I love.