"I should say he wants you very much indeed," said Max. "But you needn't be scared on that account. He isn't going to have you."
That reassured her somewhat. She essayed a shaky laugh. "You'll think me a shocking coward," she said. "But—do you know, I'm horribly frightened at him."
"Are you frightened at me too?" Max enquired unexpectedly.
She shook her head without looking at him.
"Quite sure?" he persisted.
She raised her eyes with a feeling that he must be convinced of this at all costs. "Of course I'm not," she said.
He leaned down towards her on one elbow, his hands still deep in his pockets. "Will you be engaged to me in earnest then?" he said. "Will you marry me?"
She stared at him. "Max!"
The humorous corner of his mouth went up. "Don't let me take your breath away! I say, what's the matter? You're as white as a ghost. Do you want some sal volatile?"
She forced a rather piteous smile. "No—no! I'm quite all right. But,
Max—"