She said with fine irony--and with no show of
anger: ``It is always a shock to a lady to realize how coarse
men are--how they don't discriminate.''
Davy laughed. ``Women get their rank from men,'' said he coolly.
``In themselves they have none. That's the philosophy of the
peculiarity you've noted.''
This truth, so galling to a lady, silenced Jane, made her bite
her lips with rage. ``I beg your pardon,'' she finally said.
``I didn't realize that you were in love with Selma.''
``Yes, I am in love with her,'' was Davy's astounding reply.
``She's the noblest and simplest creature I've ever met.''
``You don't mean you want to marry her!'' exclaimed Jane, so
amazed that she for the moment lost sight of her own personal
interest in this affair.
Davy looked at her sadly, and a little contemptuously.
``What a poor opinion at bottom you women--your sort of
women--have of woman,'' said he.
``What a poor opinion of men you mean,'' retorted she. ``After a
little experience of them a girl--even a girl--learns that they
are incapable of any emotion that isn't gross.''
``Don't be so ladylike, Jane,'' said Hull.
Miss Hastings was recovering control of herself. She took a new
tack. ``You haven't asked her yet?''
``Hardly. This is the second time I've seen her. I suspected
that she was the woman for me the moment I saw her. To-day I
confirmed my idea. She is all that I thought--and more. And,
Jane, I know that you appreciate her, too.
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