“Can you then give me any encouragement?”
The idea was so hideous to her, and so strong her disinclination to deceive, or to allow him to deceive himself, that she could not restrain the outburst of a hearty and emphatic “No!”
Ratcliff’s eyes swam a moment with their old glitter that meant mischief; but the recollection of his lawyer’s warning restored him to good humor. He resolved to bear with her waywardness at that first interview, and to let her say no as much as she pleased.
“You say no now, but by and by you will say yes,” he replied.
Clara had risen and was pacing the floor. Suddenly she stopped and said: “My desire is to disabuse you wholly of any expectation, even the most remote, that I can ever change my mind on this point. Under no conceivable circumstances could I depart from my determination.”
“Tell me one thing,” replied Ratcliff. “Do you speak thus because your affections are pre-engaged?”
“I do not,” said Clara; “and for that reason I can make my refusal all the more final and irrevocable; for it is not biased by passion. I beg you seriously to dismiss all expectation of ever being able to change my purpose; and I propose you should receive for my release such a sum as may be a complete compensation for what you have expended on me.”
Ratcliff had it in his heart to reply, “Slave! do your master’s bidding”; but he discreetly curbed his choler, and said, “Can you give me any good reason for your refusal?”
“Yes,” answered Clara, “the best of reasons: one which no gentleman would wish to contend against: my inclinations will not let me accept your proposal.”
“Inclinations may change,” suggested Ratcliff.