"I do not understand you at all." She was tired.
"As I said, I had a definite purpose. An imposture like this is a prison offense. I asked you to marry me. I do so again."
"You are hiding a threat!" The mental chaos cleared and left her thought keen and cold.
"I shall hide it no longer. Marry me, or I shall disclose the imposture to the police."
"Oh!" She shot him a glance, insolent and piercing. Then she laughed, but neither hysterically nor mirthfully. It was the laughter of one in deadly anger. "I had believed you to be a man of some reason, Mr. Worth. Do you suppose, even had I entertained some sentiment toward you, that it would survive a circumstance like this?"
"I am waiting for your answer."
"You shall have it. Why, this is scarcely on the level with cheap melodrama. Threats? How short-sighted you have been! Did you dream that any woman could be won in this absurd fashion? You thought nothing of your companions, either, or the trouble you were bringing about their heads."
"Yes or no?" His voice was not so full of assurance as it had been.
"No!"
"Take care!" advancing.