"If you mean about that money that you have borrowed, I am very glad of it—very glad of it. It will be something for them in Gower Street."
"Miss Mackenzie, as long as I have a hand to help myself with, they shall have that at least. But now, about this other thing. Whether there's nothing to come or anything, I'll be true to my offer. I'll fight for it, if there's to be a fight, and I'll let it go if there's to be no fight. But whether one way or whether the other, there shall be a home for you when you say the word. Say it now. Will you be my wife?"
"I cannot say that word, Mr Rubb."
"And why not?"
"I cannot say it; indeed, I cannot."
"Is it Mr Ball that prevents you?"
"Do not ask me questions like that. Indeed, indeed, indeed, I cannot do as you ask me."
"You despise me, like enough, because I am only a tradesman?"
"What am I myself, that I should despise any man? No, Mr Rubb, I am thankful and grateful to you; but it cannot be."
Then he took up his hat, and, turning away from her without any word of adieu, made his way out of the house.