asked Ellen , trying to speak naturally and off-handedly , and failing completely . She could not meet Rosemary 's eyes . She looked down at St. George 's sleek back and felt horribly afraid . Rosemary had either said she would or she would n't . If she would Ellen would feel so ashamed and remorseful that she would be a very uncomfortable bride-elect ; and if she would n't -- well , Ellen had once learned to live without Norman Douglas , but she had forgotten the lesson and felt that she could never learn it again . `` I said that as far as I was concerned you were at full liberty to marry each other as soon as you liked , '' said Rosemary . `` Thank you , '' said Ellen , still looking at St. George . Rosemary 's face softened . `` I hope you 'll be happy , Ellen , '' she said gently . `` Oh , Rosemary , '' Ellen looked up in distress , `` I 'm so ashamed -- I do n't deserve it -- after all I said to you -- '' `` We wo n't speak about that , '' said Rosemary hurriedly and decidedly . `` But -- but , '' persisted Ellen , `` you are free now , too -- and it 's not too late -- John Meredith -- '' `` Ellen West ! '' Rosemary had a little spark of temper under all her sweetness and it flashed forth now in her blue eyes . `` Have you quite lost your senses in EVERY respect ? Do you suppose for an instant that I am going to go to John Meredith and say meekly , ` Please , sir , I 've changed my mind and please , sir , I hope you have n't changed yours . ' Is that what you want me to do ? '' `` No -- no -- but a little -- encouragement -- he would come back -- '' `` Never . He despises me -- and rightly . No more of this , Ellen . I bear you no grudge -- marry whom you like . But no meddling in my affairs . ''
`` Then you must come and live with me , '' said XXXXX .
Douglas Ellen George Meredith Rosemary West bride-elect distress eyes liberty