"I propose nothing, I am totally at a loss."
"You positively refuse my offer?"
"Positively."
"You do not think of marrying upon your present means?"
"Decidedly not."
"Then you have but one course: to relinquish your claim."
"I have thought of that."
As this confession escaped him, a sudden light shone in the captain's eyes, a sparkle of unexpected triumph which did not escape his rival.
It was a double betrayal. Cecil betrayed his selfishness—the captain his love.
"I have thought of it," he repeated, "but I cannot make the sacrifice. I love her too much. It may be selfish, but I feel it impossible to give her up."