"But if it is only a question of the _degree_ of your sincerity," she persisted, "I cannot see that the situation alters much." "I was not altogether responsible, believe me, Elfrida.
I don't remember now what I said, but--but I am afraid it must have taken all its color from my feeling." "Of course." Elfrida hesitated, and her tone showed her touched.

"I can understand that what I told you about -- about Mr.Cardiff must have been a shock.

For the moment I became an animal, and turned upon you--upon you who had been to me the very soul of kindness.

I have hated myself for it--you may be sure of that." Janet Cardiff had a moment's inward struggle, and yielded.
She would let Elfrida believe it had been that.

After all it was partly true, and her lips refused absolutely to say the rest.
"Yes, it must have hurt you--more, perhaps, than I can guess." Elfrida's eyes grew wet and her voice shook.