"And what else would he have to prove?"
"He would have to prove," she answered, slowly, "that he has a right to the name he bears."
Though she was watching him closely, he gave not the slightest indication of surprise.
"Would that not be most unusual," he said—"to require a man to prove that he is not an impostor? Is not the presumption with him instead of against him—unless, of course, something has aroused your suspicions?"
"Yes!" was the vague reply, that told him nothing, and let him think anything. "And, then, after he had done all these things, Sir Edward, he would have to make me love him."
"My dear Miss Marbury," said Parkington, with an amused smile, "when you admit the love element all else departs."
"I should not love him until he had complied with the conditions."
"You would coerce love?" he asked.
"I should try," she answered, after a little pause.