And now that it seemed to Gallatin there remained no doubt that she meant it, he sat down again beside her and took her hand in his, his face set in serious lines. He liked Nina, but like many other persons had always weighed her lightly. Even now he felt sure that, by to-morrow, she would probably have forgotten the entire conversation. But the situation was one that required a complete understanding.
“If I can believe you, you’ve succeeded in flattering me a great deal. I’ve always been used to expect amazing things of you, but I can’t say I’m quite prepared for the extraordinary point of view on married life which you ask me to share. I’ve always had another idea of marriage, the same one that you have deep down in your heart, for without it you wouldn’t be a woman. You’ll marry the man you love and no other.”
“And if the man I love won’t marry me?”
“It will be time to settle that when you meet him.”
“I’ve already met him.”
Gallatin searched her eyes for the truth and was again surprised when he found it in them. Her gaze fell before his and she turned her head away, as though the look he had seen in her eyes had shamed her.
“It isn’t true, Nina. It can’t be——”
“Yes,” she murmured. “It’s quite true. I think I’ve pitied you a little, but I’m quite sure that I—I’ve cared for you always.”
There was a silence and then she heard,
“God knows, I’m sorry.”