“Not obliged, my darling. That is a harsh word. But you want to, don’t you, my Avice? My beautiful girl!”
“I don’t know whether I do or not. But I’m sure of one thing, I won’t marry you simply because Uncle Rowly wanted it! Much as I loved him, and much as I revere his memory, I shall not marry a man I don’t love for his sake!”
“But you do love me, little Avice. You are so worried and perturbed now, you can’t think clearly. But you will find yourself soon, and realize that you love me as I love you.”
Hoyt spoke very tenderly and the girl’s quivering nerves were soothed by his strong, gentle voice, and his restrained manner. He didn’t offer endearments which she might resent. He knew enough to bide his time, confident that she would turn to him of her own accord when ready.
“I don’t want to think about marrying now,” she said, wearily; “I have so much to think about.”
And then Leslie Hoyt made his mistake.
“No, dear, don’t think about it now,” he said; “but remember, if you don’t marry me, you lose a very big fortune.”
The words were meant to be half playful, half remindful, but they roused the deepest indignation in the heart of Avice Trowbridge.
She turned on him with flaming eyes. “How dare you? How can you put forth such an argument? Do you think that will help your cause? Do you suppose I would marry any one for a fortune? And any way, as a lawyer you can find some way to set aside that proviso. It can’t be possible a whim like that can stand in law!”
Hoyt looked at her intently. “It will stand,” he said, coldly; “I do not use it as a bribe, but I tell you truly, if you do not marry me the bulk of your uncle’s fortune will go to a museum.”