"And—and you refuse me?"
For a moment she did not speak. Then slowly she nodded, as if pronouncing her own doom.
"Alice," he cried, "look up here! You don't mean it. Say it isn't true."
She lifted her eyes bravely and faced him. "It is true, Lloyd; I can never be your wife."
"But why? Why?"
"I—I cannot tell you," she faltered.
He was about to speak impatiently, but before her evident distress he checked the words and asked gently: "Is it something against me?"
"Oh, no!" she answered quickly.
"Sure? Isn't it something you've heard that I've done or—or not done? Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings. I'll make a clean breast of it all, if you say so. God knows I was a fool, but I've kept straight since I knew you, I'll swear to that."
"I believe you, dear."