Angered at the opinion she held of him, which was so galling to his proud nature, Dan caught her hands.
"Look me in the eyes, Meg, and say if you believe me to be so base."
"I don't think you are base; but you might be tempted----"
"True; but not by Miss Linisfarne. You know better than that, Meg, I'll swear. Look me in the eyes, and tell me if you believe this story."
In the steady eyes which met hers, Meg read the truth. All the lies of Miss Linisfarne faded from her memory. With the instinct of a true and loving heart, she recognized that Dan spoke the truth.
"I believe you, Dan," she said, frankly. "Miss Linisfarne made a mistake."
"Miss Linisfarne is---- Well, well! never mind her at present. No, you need not try to get away, Meg. I have to ask you a question. Can you not guess what it is?"
"No. I--that is----"
"I see you can. Yes, Meg. Poor and friendless and nameless and homeless as I am, I wish you to be my wife."
"Your wife!"