Amy turned towards him once more.
‘Instead of saying all this, you might be proving that I am wrong. Do so, and I will gladly confess it.’
‘That you are wrong? I don’t see your meaning.’
‘You might prove that you are willing to do your utmost to save me from humiliation.’
‘Amy, I have done my utmost. I have done more than you can imagine.’
‘No. You have toiled on in illness and anxiety—I know that. But a chance is offered you now of working in a better way. Till that is tried, you have no right to give all up and try to drag me down with you.’
‘I don’t know how to answer. I have told you so often—You can’t understand me!’
‘I can! I can!’ Her voice trembled for the first time. ‘I know that you are so ready to give in to difficulties. Listen to me, and do as I bid you.’ She spoke in the strangest tone of command.
It was command, not exhortation, but there was no harshness in her voice. ‘Go at once to Mr Carter. Tell him you have made a ludicrous mistake—in a fit of low spirits; anything you like to say. Tell him you of course couldn’t dream of becoming his clerk. To-night; at once! You understand me, Edwin? Go now, this moment.’
‘Have you determined to see how weak I am? Do you wish to be able to despise me more completely still?’