She flushed and bit her lip.
"I think it's real mean of you to—to make it so hard for me!" she half sobbed.
With sudden passion he caught her in his arms.
"Hard? Hard? Then if it's hard, it means you do love me. As if I'd give you up now! Helen, why do you torture me like this? Dearest, when will you marry me?"
She struggled feebly in his arms.
"Why not?"
No answer.
"Helen, why not?" He loosened his clasp and held her off at arms' length.
"Because."