"I know that there are not many men who could bear all this as well as you do," Brett answered, and there was a little emotion in his face.
"Men are different. Mr. Brett—" she began after a short pause.
"Yes, do you want to ask me something?"
"Yes, something that is very hard to ask. Something that you will refuse."
"That would be hard indeed."
"Will you promise not to be angry?" asked Marion faintly.
"Of course I will," Brett answered.
"Do not be so sure. Men's honour is such a strange thing. You may think what I am going to ask touches it."
"What is it?"
He sat down beside her and prepared to listen.