"That can have nothing to do with your idea of going away, however, Myles?" asked Honor, swinging back to the matter in her mind.
"Nothing whatever; why should it?"
"I don't want you to go away," she said; and some passion trembled in her voice. "You won't give me any reason why you should do so, because there can be none."
"We need not discuss it, cousin."
"Then you'll stop, since I ask you to?"
"No, I cannot, Honor. I must go. I have very sufficient reasons. Do not press me upon that point, but take my word for it."
"You refuse me a reason? Then, I repeat, I wish you to stay. Everything cries out that you should. My future prosperity cries out. It is your duty to stay. Apart from Bear Down and me, you may do Christopher much good and help him to take life more seriously. Will you stay because I ask you to?"
"Why do you wish it?" he said.
"Because—I like you very much indeed; there—that's straightforward and a good reason, though you're so chary with yours."
She looked frankly at him, but with annoyance rather than regard in her eyes.