``Well, it probably wouldn't
improve your social position.''
``I am disgraced,'' said she, curiously rather than
emotionally.
``Would be, if it were known,'' corrected he, ``and
if you are nothing but a woman without money looking
for a husband. If you happened to be a singer
or an actress, it would add to your reputation--make
you more talked about.''
``But I am not an actress or a singer.''
``On the other hand, I should say you didn't amount
to much socially. Except in Hanging Rock, of course
--if there is still a Hanging Rock. Don't worry about
your reputation. Fussing and fretting about your
social position doesn't help toward a career.''
``Naturally, you take it coolly. But you can hardly
expect me to,'' cried she.
``You are taking it coolly,'' said he. ``Then why
try to work yourself up into a fit of hysterics? The
thing is of no importance--except that you're free
now--will never be bothered by Siddall again. You
ought to thank me, and forget it. Don't be one of the
little people who are forever agitating about trifles.
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