"For my sake? You've done this for my sake that I may be comfortable and happy for the rest of my life, that I may have these things, luxuries"--pointing with her hand round the room. "You've sacrificed yourself! It must not be; listen, Marian--it must not be!"
"Darling mother, you're all wrong, indeed you are--you're quite mistaken."
"Marian, it must not be! I'm a weakly woman, I know, but what answer should I make to your dear father when I meet him again--soon now, very soon, please God!--if I permitted this thing! What would he say if he learned that I was selfish enough to permit you to sacrifice yourself, you whom he so worshipped, to become the wife of an old man, in order that I might profit by it? What would he think of Mr. Creswell, who pretended to be his friend, and who would----"
"Mother, dearest mother, you must not speak against Mr. Creswell, please! Recollect he is to be my husband!"
"Very well, my dear," said the old lady quietly; "I'll ask you one question, and after that you'll never hear me open my lips on the matter. Do you love Mr. Creswell?"
"Yes, mother."
"Better than any other man living?"
"Ye-yes, mother." She hesitated for an instant, but the answer came round and firm at last.
"You swear that to me?"
"Yes, mother."