"I told you that I wanted time for reflection," she said.
"Yes: and even that, when I came to think of it, was strange. Of course I shall keep my word now that I have given it. But why should you, how can you, need time for reflection? The idea is utterly absurd. You cannot for a moment hesitate between my threat and my offer."
"But I do hesitate," she said, "incredible as it may seem to you."
He looked in her face, so fair and calm in the moonlight, and so proud.
"I wish you would tell me why you hesitate?" he said.
"I will. I dislike you so much. The idea of having to spend my life with you is so utterly abhorrent to me, that I hesitate between that and the total ruin that would follow my refusal."
"You must indeed dislike me," he said, "if you prefer ruin, shame and disgrace to me."
"I do."
"Will you tell me why?" he asked.
"I should have thought both answer and question useless. Why, to begin with, you tempted me to sin and shame, by flattering my vanity and my pride——"