‘You have never thought of such things, because you have never thought of me as I of you. Every day of your absence in London has caused me torments which were due most often to the difference between your social position and mine. You have been among people of leisure and refinement and culture. Each evening you have talked with men whom it cost no effort to make themselves liked and respected. I think of that with bitterness.’
‘But why? I have made many acquaintances; have met very interesting people. I am glad of it; it enables me to understand you better than I could before.’
‘You are glad on that account?’
‘Yes; indeed I am.’
‘Dare I think you mean more than a civil phrase?’
‘I mean quite simply all that my words imply. I have thought of you, though certainly without bitterness.
