There will be no need for you to do anything romantic, Coralie.
Stay on at Crown Anstey, and make yourself happy with Clare." "Yes," she replied, with that strange smile, "I shall remain at Crown Anstey--I have no thought of going away." She turned as though she would quit the room.

I went up to her.
"Good night, Coralie.

Shake hands, and let us part friends." "When I touch your hand again, Sir Edgar, it will be under very different circumstances.

Good night." She swept from the room with the dignity of an outraged queen, leaving me unhappy, bewildered and anxious.
I had the most chivalrous love and devotion for all womankind, and I must confess to feeling most dreadfully shocked.

It seemed almost unheard of.
Then I tried to forget it--the passionate words, the pale, tearful beauty of that wonderful face.