I appreciate your friendship, but it does not give you the right to forget that I am a free girl, or to ignore my assurance that I propose to remain free for the present." "That is all the assurance that I require just now," he answered.
"I have been a frank, devoted suitor, Stella.

If you do not act precipitately you will act wisely in the end.

I shall not be guilty of the folly of depreciating Muir--he's a good fellow in his way--but you will soon be convinced that you cannot afford to marry him." "I think I can afford not to marry any one until my heart prompts me to the act," she replied, with well-assumed dignity.

Her swift thought was, "He also knows that the Muirs are embarrassed.

How is it that Graydon speaks and acts in the assured confidence of continued wealth?
Is he deceiving me ?" Mr.Arnault changed the subject, and none could do this with more adroitness than he, or be a more entertaining gallant if he so chose.
At the same time he maintained a subtle observance, in spite of his vaunted frankness, and he soon believed he had reason to hope that Miss Wildmere had been influenced by his words.