"Yes. But you must say it now—this instant. I will not grant you a moment's respite. If you do not say the word now, your chance is gone forever. It has to be now, Anne."
"And if I refuse—what then?"
"I would not marry you if you were the only woman on earth," he said flatly.
She smiled. "Are you sure that you love me, Braden?"
"I will love you when you become what you were,—a month ago," he said simply. "A girl worth the honour of being loved," he added.
"Men sometimes love those who are not worth the honour," she said, feeling her way. "They cannot help themselves."
"Will you say the word now?" he demanded hoarsely.
She sighed. It was a sigh of relief,—perhaps of triumph. He was safe for all time. He would come to her in the end. She was on solid ground once more.
"I am afraid, Braden, that I cannot play fast and loose with a man as old as Mr. Thorpe," she said lightly.
He muttered an oath. "Don't be a fool! What do you call your treatment of me? Fast and loose! Good Lord, haven't you played fast and loose with me?"