Mary Roberts Rinehart

“ She led him out onto the terrace, her shoulders militant and her head high, and faced him there.
“I can see you are not going to talk to me,” she said. “So I'll talk to you. Has Dick Livingstone's return made any change between Elizabeth and you?”
“No.”
“She's just the same to you? You must tell me, Wallace. I've been building so much.”
She realized the change in him then more fully than ever for he faced her squarely and without evasion.
“There's no change in her, mother, but I think you and I will both have to get used to this: she's not in love with me. She doesn't pretend to be.” ”

“ Has he seen Elizabeth Wheeler yet? Talked to her, I mean?”
“I don't know. I'm inclined to think not,” he added cautiously.
“You mean that he hasn't?”
“Look here, Mrs. Sayre. You've confided in me, and I know it's important to you. I don't know a thing. I'm to stay on until the end of the week, and then he intends to take hold. I'm in and out, see him at meals, and we've had a little desultory talk. There is no trouble between the two families. Mr. Wheeler comes and goes. If you ask me, I think Livingstone has simply accepted the situation as he found it.” ”

“ I don't think she cares for anybody, that way, certainly not for me. And that's the trouble.” He faced her again. “If marrying me isn't going to make her happy, I won't hold her to it. You'll have to support me in that, mother. I'm a pretty weak sister sometimes.” ”