"Yes, dear. I really don't see why there should be this absurd reserve
between us."
"I am quite willing," replied the girl, "to hear what you have to say
about it."
"Yes, but not to talk of it."
"Well, I suppose Arthur has told you all there is to tell. If there is
anything more that you want to know I shall be very glad to tell you."
"Well, of course, I don't understand it at all," burst out Mrs. Agar
eagerly. This was quite true; neither she nor Arthur could understand how
any one could refuse such a glorious offer as he had made.
"Perhaps I can explain. Arthur asked me to marry him. I quite appreciated
the honour, but I declined it."
"Yes, but why? Surely you didn't mean it?"
"I did mean it."
"Well," explained Mrs. Agar, with a little toss of the head, "I am sure I
cannot see what more you want. There are many girls who would be glad to
be mistress of Stagholme."
And it must be remembered that she said this knowing quite well that Jem
was probably alive. There are some crimes which women commit daily in the
family circle which deserve a greater punishment than that meted out to a
legal criminal.
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