Tell me that , Mr. Meredith . '' Mr. Meredith could n't tell her , but they plunged into a discussion of German militarism that lasted long after Rosemary had found the book . Rosemary said nothing , but sat in a little rocker behind Ellen and stroked an important black cat meditatively . John Meredith hunted big game in Europe with Ellen , but he looked oftener at Rosemary than at Ellen , and Ellen noticed it . After Rosemary had gone to the door with him and come back Ellen rose and looked at her accusingly . `` Rosemary West , that man has a notion of courting you . '' Rosemary quivered . Ellen 's speech was like a blow to her . It rubbed all the bloom off the pleasant evening . But she would not let Ellen see how it hurt her . `` Nonsense , '' she said , and laughed , a little too carelessly . `` You see a beau for me in every bush , Ellen . Why he told me all about his wife to-night -- how much she was to him -- how empty her death had left the world . '' `` Well , that may be HIS way of courting , '' retorted Ellen . `` Men have all kinds of ways , I understand . But do n't forget your promise , Rosemary . '' `` There is no need of my either forgetting or remembering it , '' said Rosemary , a little wearily . `` YOU forget that I 'm an old maid , Ellen . It is only your sisterly delusion that I am still young and blooming and dangerous . Mr. Meredith merely wants to be a friend -- if he wants that much itself .
He 'll forget us both long before he gets back XXXXX the manse . ''
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