"It is not your friendship only that I ask, Arabella.

You heard what I said, what I reported.

You will not say that Peter Blood was wrong ?" Gently she sought to disengage her hand, the trouble in her face increasing.

A moment he resisted; then, realizing what he did, he set her free.
"Arabella!" he cried on a note of sudden pain.
"I have friendship for you, my lord.

But only friendship." His castle of hopes came clattering down about him, leaving him a little stunned.