"Foolish it may be. I've heard so much about the Beekman word of honor and the Beekman faith that I want to show that the Maynard honor and faith and determination are no less."
"And you are going to sacrifice yourself and me for that shibboleth, are you?"
"I see no other way. Believe me," said the girl, who had resolved to allow no more demonstrations of affection now that it was all settled and her prospective husband was on the way to her, "I seem cold and indifferent to you, but if I let myself go--"
"Oh, Stephanie, please let yourself go again, even if for the last time," pleaded George Harnash, and Stephanie did. When coherent speech was possible he continued: "Well, if Beekman himself releases you or if he withdrew or disappeared or--"
"I don't have to tell you what my answer would be."
"And I've got to be best man at the wedding! I've got to stand by and--"
"Why didn't you speak before?" asked the girl bitterly.
"I was no match for you then. I'm not a match for you now."
"You should have let me be the judge of that."
"But your father?"