I was a child then,--a naughty child," she added, smiling; "and was put to bed for what I did on that day." "Be a child still." "Ah, if we but could!" "And have you no other answer to make me ?" "Of course I must answer you.

You are entitled to an answer.

Lord Chiltern, I am sorry that I cannot give you the love for which you ask." "Never ?" "Never." "Is it myself personally, or what you have heard of me, that is so hateful to you ?" "Nothing is hateful to me.

I have never spoken of hate.

I shall always feel the strongest regard for my old friend and playfellow.
But there are many things which a woman is bound to consider before she allows herself so to love a man that she can consent to become his wife." "Allow herself! Then it is a matter entirely of calculation." "I suppose there should be some thought in it, Lord Chiltern." There was now a pause, and the man's hand was at last allowed to drop, as there came no response to the proffered grasp.