"But why do you mean to do it?"
"I wish to go away."
"Is it because you are offended with Mr Grandcourt's odd behaviour in walking off to-day?"
"It is useless to enter into such questions. I am not going in any case to marry Mr Grandcourt. Don't interest yourself further about him."
"What can I say to your uncle, Gwendolen? Consider the position you place me in. You led him to believe only last night that you had made up your mind in favour of Mr Grandcourt."
"I am very sorry to cause you annoyance, mamma dear, but I can't help it," said Gwendolen, with still harder resistance in her tone. "Whatever you or my uncle may think or do, I shall not alter my resolve, and I shall not tell my reason. I don't care what comes of it. I don't care if I never marry any one. There is nothing worth caring for. I believe all men are bad, and I hate them."
"But need you set off in this way, Gwendolen?" said Mrs Davilow, miserable and helpless.
"Now, mamma, don't interfere with me. If you have ever had any trouble in your own life, remember it, and don't interfere with me. If I am to be miserable, let it be by my own choice."
The mother was reduced to trembling silence.
