"When may I come again?" he begged.
"Never," she replied firmly. "You must never come again. You must not even think of it. But indeed you would not be admitted. They will probably tell my father of your visit, as it is, and he will be very angry."
"Well, when can I see you, then, and where?" he demanded. "I hope you understand that I am not in the least disheartened by anything you have said."
"I think," she declared, "that you are the most persistent person I ever met."
"It is only," he whispered, leaning a little towards her, "because I care for you so much."
She was suddenly confused, conscious of a swift desire to get rid of him. It was as though some one were speaking a new language. All her old habits and prejudices seemed falling away.
"I cannot make appointments with you," she protested, her voice shaking. "I cannot encourage you in any way. It is really quite impossible."
"If I go now, will you be at the Club to-morrow afternoon?" he pleaded.
"I am not sure," she replied. "It is very likely that I may be there. I make no promise."
He took her hand abruptly, and, stooping down, forced her to look into his eyes.