"If you break this vow you think you will be—?"
"The creature I have said? Yes—and worse."
"I think the vow utter nonsense," said Morewood again.
"But if you thought as I think, then would your love—yes, and would a girl's heart, weigh with you?"
Morewood stood still.
"I can hardly realize it," he said, "in a man of your brain. But—"
"Yes?" said Stafford, looking at him almost as if he were amused, for his sudden outburst had left him quite calm.
"If I believed that, I'd cut off my hand rather than break the vow."
"I knew it!" cried Stafford, "I knew it!"
Morewood was touched with pity.