"But I asked you to marry me weeks ago," said Jake.
Her head was bowed. She sought to avoid his look. "I know you did."
"And you are going to marry me," he said, in a tone that was scarcely a question.
She turned desperately and faced him. "I must have a clear understanding with you first," she said.
"I--see," said Jake.
He met her eyes with the utmost directness, and before his look hers wavered and fell. "Please!" she whispered. "You must agree to that."
He did not speak for a moment, but his fingers wound themselves closely about her own.
"I don't want you to be scared," he said finally. "But--that's a mighty big thing you've asked of me."
Maud's face was burning. "I knew it isn't for me to make--conditions," she said, under her breath.
A gleam of humour crossed Jake's face. "I guess it's up to me to accept or refuse," he said. "But--suppose I refuse--what are you going to do then? Will you marry me--all the same?"