'Yes, ran away; but only incidentally from America. You ran away from me; I came after you.'
Sybil got up.
'Really, Mr. Bilton,' she said, 'you have left your manners the other side of the Atlantic.'
She went half-way across the room with the intention of ringing the bell, but she stopped before she got there; curiosity about the development of this situation conquered, and she sat down again.
He took no notice of her remark about his manners.
'I have come to ask you to marry me,' he said. 'You are the woman I have been looking for all my life. I will try to make you very happy.'
She answered him without pause.
'I am very grateful to you,' she said; 'but I cannot.'
'You led me to suppose you would,' said he.
'I am very sorry for it.'