"I?"
"Yes, you. You have been the one woman of my life. You are free, you know that there is no other man who could make you happy as I could, yet you will not come to me—for the sake of an idea. If I am heartless and callous, an infidel, an egotist, whatever you choose, at least I love you. You need never fear me. You would always be safe."
She shook her head.
"Arranmore," she said, "this is so painful to me. Do let us cease to discuss it. I have tried so hard to make you understand how I feel. I cannot alter. It is impossible!"
"You tempt me," he cried, "to play the hypocrite."
"No, I do not, Arranmore," she answered, gently, "for there is no acting in this world which would deceive me."
"You do not doubt that I should make you a good husband?"
"I believe you would," she answered, "but I dare not try it."
"And this is the woman," he murmured, sadly, "who calls me stubborn."
Tea was brought in. Afterwards they walked in the gardens together. The band was playing, and they were surrounded on all sides by acquaintances. A great personage stopped and talked to them for a while. Lady Caroom admitted the news of Sybil's engagement. After that every one stopped to express pleasure. It was not until the young people appeared themselves, and at once monopolized all attention, that Arranmore was able to draw his companion away into comparative solitude.