"Captain Rodenberg, for the love of heaven! you forget----"
"What?" he asked, clasping her hand still more firmly.
"That I am Raoul's betrothed."
"Only his betrothed, not his wife! The tie may yet be severed. Give me the right to do so and I will break----"
"No, Michael, never! It is too late. I am bound."
"You are free if you will only say the word, but you will not say it."
"I cannot!"
"Is that your final decision?"
"It is."
Michael dropped her hand and retreated.