Let us leave it here and return to our old relations." She could not force herself to express any sense of gratitude for his affection, or of regret at being obliged to meet it with so little return.
To treat him with tolerable civility was all she thought required of her.
Ratcliffe felt the change of manner.

He had been prepared for a struggle, but not to be met with so blunt a rebuff at the start.

His look became serious and he hesitated a moment before speaking, but when he spoke at last, it was with a manner as firm and decided as that of Mrs.Lee herself.
"I cannot accept such an answer.

I will not say that I have a right to explanation,--I have no rights which you are bound to respect,--but from you I conceive that I may at least ask the favour of one, and that you will not refuse it.

Are you willing to tell me your reasons for this abrupt and harsh decision ?" "I do not dispute your right of explanation, Mr.Ratcliffe.You have the right, if you choose to use it, and I am ready to give you every explanation in my power; but I hope you will not insist on my doing so.
If I seemed to speak abruptly and harshly, it was merely to spare you the greater annoyance of doubt.