human
Do you think that we influenced her--that we stopped her? she asked.
gpt
Because I wouldn't have done that on purpose.
human
I certainly wouldn't have encouraged her on purpose. And, if you ask me, I think that our attitude of--well, of reserve (Mrs. Lenoir was smiling) will have its weight--combined, perhaps, with Sir Axel's attractions.
gpt
I'm sorry. If Cyril does want her, and it doesn't come off, he'll hate me worse than ever.
human
He won't guess you've had anything to do with it--supposing you have.
gpt
No, but he'll trace the whole thing back to me, of course. He'll blame me for having forced him into acting against his conscience.
human
Tut, tut, he shouldn't have such a silly conscience, said Mrs. Lenoir easily. To her, consciences were not things to be treated with an exaggerated punctilio.
gpt
After all, if she'd asked you right out, what would you have said?
human
I should have refused to say anything, of course.
gpt
She probably thought as much, so she tried to pump you indirectly. I think you seem to have been very moderate--and I'm sure I was. And, as one woman towards another, you ought to be glad if Lady Rosaline does prove quick at taking a hint. I shall be glad too, incidentally, because I like her, and hope to see something of her in town--which I certainly shouldn't do, if she became Lady Rosaline Maxon.
human
Well, I had no idea how matters stood, and I said as little as I could,