Wild thoughts flashed impetuously through her mind. "Why?" she asked.
He leaned forward till his face was near hers, and she could see his grey eyes, now black in the dim light, almost next her own. He took her hand and held it; then he whispered passionately: "Because I love you."
"For the sake of both of us, don't say that," she said hoarsely, drawing back her hand.
"For the sake of both of us I will," he replied. "What is there to prevent our loving?"
"My husband," she said, and the words brought back fear to her heart.
"I thought you were a woman of the world," he replied scornfully. "Do you mean to tell me that you are afraid?"
"Yes," said Marion resolutely.
"Then you must drown your fear in love," he answered, drawing his arm about her shoulders.
"You must leave me," she pleaded, trying to release herself.
"Not until you say you love me," was his answer.