"Yes," I said, "the affair is settled definitely." For a minute or so we walked on silently, and then she said: "I do not want you to think I am hard-hearted, but I must say what is in me.

I congratulate you, and, at the same time, I am sorry for her." At this amazing speech I turned suddenly towards her, and we both stopped.
"Yes," said she, standing before me with her clear eyes fixed upon my face, "you are to be congratulated.

I think it is likely she is the most charming young woman you are ever likely to meet--and I know a great deal more about her than you do, for I have known her for a long time, and your acquaintance is a very short one--she has qualities you do not know anything about; she is lovely! But for all that it would be very wrong for you to marry her, and I am glad she had sense enough not to let you do it." "Why do you say that ?" I asked, a little sharply.
"Of course you don't like it," she replied, "but it is true.

She may be as lovely as you think her--and I am sure she is.

She may be of good family, finely educated, and a great many more things, but all that goes for nothing beside the fact that for over five years she has been the landlady of a little hotel." "I do not care a snap for that!" I exclaimed.