“What is there in our engagement that I should be ashamed to let the whole world hear?” she said proudly. “Why, if I listened to you, it would be published to every one who would hear.”
Mr Lister took a few strides up and down the room.
“Will you hear me, Miriam?” he cried, making an ineffectual effort to command his temper.
“John Lister,” she replied, “I have given you your answer, Come to me in six months’ time.”
“Am I to take that as final?” he said hoarsely.
“Yes. How can I reply otherwise to your violence?”
“Violence! It is enough to drive a man mad! But, once more, Miriam, give me your verbal answer to the note I sent you this morning. Yes or no. Pause before you answer, for you do not know how much depends upon it. You have made me desperate. Don’t leave me to repent of what I have done.”
“John, dear John!” she said softly, “I am alone in the world, with none to guide me, and I have prayed for help that I might give a right answer to your request.”
“Yes,” he said, with his lip curling, “and it is—”
“It is for both our sakes, John,” she said softly; “I could not in justice to us both say yes, now; it must be no!”