"
There was silence. The Doctor took up a piece of paper, and began
folding and re-folding it, the while he meditated.
"You know, of course," he said at length, "what the world thinks of
this sort of behaviour?"
"I know what the world is likely to _say_ about it. Unfortunately,
the world seldom thinks at all."
"Granted. And we may also assume that no explanation offered by you
or Jacks will affect the natural course of gossip. Still, you would
wish to justify yourself in the eyes of your friends."
"What I wish before all, of course, is to save Mr. Jacks from any
risk of blame. It must be understood that I, and I alone, am
responsible for what happens."
"Stick to your philosophy," said her father. "Recognise the fact
that you cannot save him from gossip and scandal--that people will
credit as much or as little as they like of any explanation put
forth. Moreover, bear in mind that this action of yours is defined
by a vulgar word, which commonly injures the man more than the
woman. In the world's view, it is worse to be made ridiculous than
to act cruelly."
A look of pain passed over the girl's face.
"Father I am not acting cruelly. It is the best thing I can do, for
him as well as for myself. On his side, no deep feeling is involved,
and as for his vanity--I can't consider that."
"You have come to the conclusion that he is not sufficiently devoted
to you?"
"I couldn't have put it in those words, but that is half the truth.
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