He waited silently, his face so shaded by his hand that she could not read its expression.
"Why don't you answer me?" he said at last.
"I—can't!" she said, with a sob.
"You leave the decision to me?" he questioned.
She did not answer.
He straightened himself slowly, without rising.
"My decision is made," he said. "Give me your hand; not that one—the left."
She obeyed him trembling. He had taken something from his pocket. With a start she saw what it was.
"Oh, no, Piet—no!" she cried.
But he had his way, for he would not suffer her resistance to thwart him. Very gravely and resolutely he slipped a gold ring on to her finger.