`` I want to see Phillippa , '' he said , as if it were but yesterday that he had gone away . All Isabella 's smoothness and policy had dropped away from her , and the real woman stood there , plotting and unscrupulous , as I 'd always know her . `` You ca n't see her , '' she said desperate-like . `` She does n't want to see you . You went and left her and never wrote , and she knew you were n't worth fretting over , and she has learned to care for a better man . '' `` I DID write and I think you know that better than most folks , '' said Owen , trying hard to speak quiet . `` As for the rest , I 'm not going to discuss it with you . When I hear from Phillippa 's own lips that she cares for another man I 'll believe it -- and not before . '' `` You 'll never hear it from her lips , '' said I. Isabella gave me a venomous look . `` You 'll not see Phillippa until she is a better man 's wife , '' she said stubbornly , `` and I order you to leave my house , Owen Blair ! '' `` No ! '' It was Mark Foster who spoke . He had n't said a word ; but he came forward now , and stood before Owen . Such a difference as there was between them ! But he looked Owen right in the face , quiet-like , and Owen glared back in fury . `` Will it satisfy you , Owen , if Phillippa comes down here and chooses between us ? '' `` Yes , it will , '' said Owen . Mark Foster turned to me . `` Go and bring her down , '' said he . Isabella , judging Phillippa by herself , gave a little moan of despair , and Owen , blinded by love and hope , thought his cause was won .
But I knew my dearie too well XXXXX be glad , and Mark Foster did , too , and I hated him for it .
as between by for if in of than that to