"With you for my wife, I can do anything."
"And I," said Olive, "could have but little faith in a man who dared not stand alone. If a man's future, his character, his career, are dependent on a woman, then he rests upon a weak reed. A man to be strong must rest on God."
"That may be your theory; if it is, I know that human nature is always laughing at you. If God is, He's giving you the opportunity of making a man of me."
"I would try and help you," said Olive, "but what you ask is my love, and love cannot be given for the asking. It can only be given as it comes. In such a matter we are not free agents."
"And could you not love me? Answer me honestly, could you not love me?"
This was the first sign of Leicester's advantage. Her eyes dropped, and the colour came to her cheeks.
Leicester's heart beat aloud for joy; he could not repress a cry of exultation.
But Olive Castlemaine mastered herself by a strong effort of will.