"Y—you don't understand," she faltered, with a suffocating sense of throbbing in her throat.
"Oh yes, I do. I understand a lot. Promise me you won't take any steps about this without letting me know."
She shook her head, and tried to draw from under the thrilling touch of his hand.
"I shall not let you go till you promise."
The other hand had fallen on her other shoulder. It was as if chains were being hung upon her. But why wasn't she struggling? Why—why was bondage so sweet?
"I'm waiting. Promise!" said the masterful voice.
"I—promise."
The tumult in her heart made the clang of the dinner-bell sound as if it were ringing in some far-off place.
"What—what was it I promised?" she asked herself again and again.