"No, let me finish. Maybe you wanted me. I guess you did. But not that much—not enough to speak out—and you were too straight to lie to me. I'm thankful for that——"
"But I have spoken, Beth," he insisted, taking her by the elbows and holding her so that he could look into her eyes. "I've asked you to—to be my wife. I ask you now. Is that clear?"
Her eyes evaded him and she laughed uneasily.
"Yes, it's clear—and—and your reason for it——"
"I love you——"
"A little, maybe. But I'll marry no man just to save my face—and his."
But he caught her close to him, finding a new joy in his momentous decision. She struggled still, but he would not be denied.
"Yes, you will," he whispered. "You've got to marry me whether you want to or not. You're compromised."
"I don't care."
"Oh, yes, you do. And you love me, Beth."