"I cannot understand it," continued George, speaking without looking at her. "It was but the other day that we were such dear friends! Do you remember the balcony at Basle? and now it seems that we are quite estranged;--nay, worse than estranged; that I am, as it were, under some ban. Have I done anything to offend you, Alice? If so, speak out, like a woman of spirit as you are."
"Nothing," said Alice.
"Then why am I tabooed? Why was I told the other day that I might not congratulate you on your happy emancipation? I say boldly, that had you resolved on that while we were together in Switzerland, you would have permitted me, as a friend, almost as a brother, to discuss it with you."

"I cannot understand it," continued George, speaking without looking at her. "The other day we were such dear friends! Do you remember the balcony at Basle? and now it seems that we are quite estranged; nay, worse; that I am under some ban. Have I done anything to offend you, Alice?"
"Nothing."
"Then why am I tabooed? Why was I told the other day that I might not congratulate you on your freedom? If you had resolved on that while we were together in Switzerland, you would have permitted me, as a friend, almost as a brother, to discuss it with you."
