"No," she said.
"But——"
"No. He promises. Stephen,—I am to own myself."
"But—He marries you!"
"Yes. Because he—he admires me. He cannot live without me. He loves my company. He loves to be seen with me. He wants me with him to enjoy all the things he has. Can't you understand, Stephen?"
"But do you mean——?"
Our eyes met.
"Stephen," she said, "I swear."
"But—— He hopes."