"And do you remember that I asked you a question which you have never answered?"
"I did answer it,—as well as I knew how, so that I might tell you a truth without hurting you."
"It was necessary,—is necessary that I should be hurt sorely, or made perfectly happy. Violet Effingham, I have come to you to ask you to be my wife;—to tell you that I love you, and to ask for your love in return. Whatever may be my fate, the question must be asked, and an answer must be given. I have not hoped that you should tell me that you loved me—"
"For what then have you hoped?"
"For not much, indeed;—but if for anything, then for some chance that you might tell me so hereafter."
"If I loved you, I would tell you so now,—instantly. I give you my word of that."
"Can you never love me?"
"What is a woman to answer to such a question? No;—I believe never. I do not think I shall ever wish you to be my husband. You ask me to be plain, and I must be plain."
"Is it because—?" He paused, hardly knowing what the question was which he proposed to himself to ask.
"It is for no because,—for no cause except that simple one which should make any girl refuse any man whom she did not love. Mr. Finn, I could say pleasant things to you on any other subject than this,—because I like you."