"But have I not a right to be of help to you at such a time?" he asked.
"No, Mr Maguire; no right; certainly none as yet."
"Oh! Margaret."
"I'm sure you will see that I cannot talk of anything of that sort now."
"But you will not be back for ever so long."
"I cannot tell."
"Oh! Margaret; you will not leave me in suspense? After bidding me wait a fortnight, you will not go away without telling me that you will be mine when you come back? One word will do it."
"Mr Maguire, you really must excuse me now."
"One word, Margaret; only one word," and he still held her.
"Mr Maguire," she said, tearing her hand from him, "I am astonished at you. I tell you that my brother is dying and you hold me here, and expect me to give you an answer about nonsense. I thought you were more manly."