Alma broke in, impatiently.
'Don't speak of money? You have enough—more than enough.'
'So it seems to me. You are afraid this might prevent you from becoming a professional musician?'
'I know it would,' she answered with quiet decision.
'I should never dream of putting obstacles in your way. Do understand and believe me. I don't want to shape you to any model of my own; I want you to be your true self, and live the life you are meant for.'
'All the same, you would rather I did not become a professional musician. Now, be honest with me! Be honest before everything. You needn't answer, I know it well enough; and if I marry you, I give up my music.'
Rolfe scrutinised her face, observed the tremulous mouth, the nervous eyelid.
'Then,' he said, 'it will be better for you not to marry me.'
And silence fell upon the room, a silence in which Harvey could hear a deep-drawn breath and the rustle of silk. He was surprised by a voice in quite a new tone, softly melodious.
'You give me up very easily.'