"Then I am afraid we must take it that I do not," I answered, smiling.
"But if Bessie were only safely away, I should not mind so much."
"She is not in any serious danger. They would not do anything to her."
"You know what I mean," she cried quickly. "Why force me to say it? I cannot bear the thought of bringing you into this danger. The fear of what may happen haunts me every moment, day and night. You must go."
"You are letting your fears exaggerate the danger. I cannot go."
"You must. I insist." Quite vehemently uttered, this.
"Don't force me to the discourtesy of a flat refusal."
Her earnestness was only magnified. "You shall go. I am quite determined. You shall go or----" Her eyes were flashing and her features set with resolve.
"I am just as determined as you."
She paused and then said very deliberately, but with lips that quivered: "If you do not, I shall go to Herr von Felsen and accept his terms. I will not accept the sacrifice which you are intent on making for me."