"No, you can't go. I've had altogether too much trouble getting you here, and getting those blessed youngsters safely away with their mamma for a bit of a drive with my dad."
"Then you planned this?"
"I did." He was regarding her with half-quizzical, wholly fond eyes. "And I had you summoned to the library—but I was careful not to say who wanted you. Oh, Helen, Helen, how can you seek to avoid me like this, when you know how I love you!" There was only tenderness now in his voice and manner. He had taken both her hands in his.
"But you mustn't love me."
"Not love—my wife?"
"I'm not your wife."
"You're going to be, dear."
"I can't. I told you I couldn't, Mr. Denby."
"My name is 'Burke,' my love."
His voice was whimsically light again. Very plainly Mr. Burke Denby was not appreciating the seriousness of the occasion.