"Marry me! You might do worse," he said suddenly.
Her face changed color and the laughter died on her lips.
"You? O Philidor!"
She turned away from him and looked up at the sky.
"I—I mean it," he repeated. "I think you had better."
He sought her hand and she trembled under his touch.
"Fate has thrown us together—twice. Its intention is obvious. Let
Fate look after the rest—"
"You, Philidor. Oh—"
She buried her head in her arms still quivering, but he only held her hand more tightly.
"Don't child. I did not mean to frighten you. I would not hurt you for anything in the world. I thought you needed me—"