 Yule's speech which repelled
Reardon. He could not even put faith in her assurance that Amy knew nothing of
this intercession. In any case it was extremely distasteful to him to discuss
such matters with Mrs Yule.
    »Under no circumstances could I do more than I already have done,« he
replied. »And after what you have told me, it is impossible for me to go and see
her unless she expressly invites me.«
    »Oh, if only you would overcome this sensitiveness!«
    »It is not in my power to do so. My poverty, as you justly say, was the
cause of our parting; but if Amy is no longer poor, that is very far from a
reason why I should go to her as a suppliant for forgiveness.«
    »But do consider the facts of the case, independently of feeling. I really
think I don't go too far in saying that at least some - some provocation was
given by you first of all. I am so very, very far from wishing to say anything
disagreeable - I am sure you feel that - but wasn't there some little ground for
complaint on Amy's part? Wasn't there, now?«
    Reardon was tortured with nervousness. He wished to be alone, to think over
what had happened, and Mrs Yule's urgent voice rasped upon his ears. Its very
smoothness made it worse.
    »There may have been ground for grief and concern,« he answered, »but for
complaint, no, I think not.«
    »But I understand« - the voice sounded rather irritable now - »that you
positively reproached and upbraided her because she was reluctant to go and live
in some very shocking place.«
    »I may have lost my temper after Amy had shown - But I can't review our
troubles in this way.«
    »Am I to plead in vain?«
    »I regret very much that I can't possibly do as you wish. It is all between
Amy and myself. Interference by other people cannot do any good.«
    »I am sorry you should use such a word as interference,« replied Mrs Yule,
bridling a little. »Very sorry, indeed. I confess it didn't occur to me that my
good-will to you could be seen in that light.«
    »Believe me that I didn't use the word offensively.«
    »Then you refuse to take any step towards a restoration of good feeling?«
    »I am obliged to, and Amy would understand perfectly
