But it's only the brilliancy of decay, Virginia; and it's about time that the last Malcourt stepped down and out of the scheme of things.

My sister is older, but I don't mind going first--even if it is bad manners." "Is that why you have never asked me to marry you ?" she said, white as a ghost.
Startled to silence he walked on beside her.

She had pressed her pallid face against his shoulder again; one thin hand crushed her gloves and riding-crop into her hip, the other, doubled, left in the palm pale imprints of her fingers.
"Is _that_ the reason ?" she repeated.
"No, dear." "Is it because you do not care for me--enough ?" "Partly.

But that is easily remedied." "Or"-- with bent head--"because you think too--lightly--of me--" "No! That's a lie anyway." "A--a lie ?" "Yes.

You lie to yourself if you think that! You are _not_ that sort.
You are not, and you never were and never could be.