"I? How can I put an end to it?"
"By marrying me!"
He stands opposite to her, almost compelling her gaze in return.
Mrs. Bethune gives it fearlessly.
"Maurice dearest, you are excited now. Your mother—she is so irritating. I know her. Marriage, as we now stand, would mean quite dreadful things. Do be reasonable!"
"You talk of reason," says he passionately. "Does love reason? No! I will hear your last word now."
"Are you condemning me, then, to death?" asks she, smiling delicately, and laying two large but delicate hands upon his arms.
He shakes her off.
"Answer me. Will you marry me, or will you not?"
"This is too sudden, Maurice!"
A little fire is kindling in her own eyes; she had objected to that last repulsion.