“Marion,” he said kindly, taking her hand in his, “have you suffered much for my fault?”
“I have suffered, Archie.”
“Why did you not tell me before?”
“You have been so full of trouble. How could I add to it?”
“You have been blamed?”
“Yes, very much.”
“There is only one way to right you, Marion; I offer you my name and my hand. Will you take it?”
“A woman wants love. If I thought you could ever love me—”
“We are good friends. You have been my comforter in many miserable hours. I will make no foolish protestations; but you know whether you can trust me. And that we should come to love one another very sincerely is more than likely.”
“I do love you. Have I not always loved you?”