"I must. Then—" her eyes met his bravely.
He laid his fingers gently on her lips.
"I know what you would tell me, but I do not care to hear. I will not listen, Helen. Don't you believe that I know myself, that I know you?"
She hid her face in her hands.
"Ralph."
"Stop!" Ralph's voice was strong and commanding. "Every word you speak condemns me."
Slowly the hands dropped from the face that was now raised to his. The great, dark eyes were deep with questioning hope. The lips trembled with a smile that a breath would fan into life.
"I must obey my master."
Ralph's face was close to hers. His voice was low and strong.
"Then tell me that you love me."