"I love you," he said quietly. "When you hated me most I was doing the best for you that I could. I—I'm afraid I sound like a prig. But it is the truth. I stood out against you when I thought you were wrong because I loved you!"
Her eyes fell. Her hands crept confidingly up his arms. "Ah! I want so to believe it," she faltered.
He thought he had won her again. His arms swept around her, crushing her to him. "My love!" he murmured.
She went slack in his arms and coldly averted her head. "Do not kiss me," she said.
He instantly released her.
"It's not the time," she murmured. "It seems horrible to-night. I—I am not ready. By what happens to-night I will know for always!"
"But, Colina—" he began.
She offered him her hand with a beseeching air. "I do not hate you any more," she said quickly. "You have a lot to forgive in me, too. Be merciful to me. Show me—to-night."
He drew a steadying breath. "Very well," he said. "I am contented."