“Do you really want a wife who has been won in that fashion?”
“I want you.”
“You realize, fully, don't you, the spirit in which I shall marry you?”
“We'll take care of that matter after we are married, Kate. You have liked me. You will care for me more when you come to your senses in this thing.”
“You remember what my father did in the way of sacrifice, I suppose? It was no secret in this state.”
“Yes,” he muttered, abashed under her steady gaze.
“I am like my father in many ways—in many of my thoughts. Perhaps if he had not set me such an example in the way of sacrifice I should say something else to you, Mr. Dodd. But as the matter stands between us, considering the demand you make on me, I will marry you.”
The concession was flung at him so suddenly—he had expected so much more of rebellion—that he staggered where he stood. He advanced toward her. But she waved him back.
“Sit down!” she commanded. “This matter has gone far outside romance. It has become one of business. It is a matter of barter. I have had some experience in business. You say that mother owes you five thousand dollars which you took from the state treasury?”
“Yes, Kate.”