"Then I have been deceived all this time—thinking you surely loved me as you have accepted my attentions unreservedly."
Venna blushed with conscious shame.
"I had no reason to believe you"—there she stopped short. She was not yet accustomed to handle proposals. She felt a quick self-blame. She had enjoyed herself at this man's expense.
He read her thoughts.
"There, Venna, I do not blame you. You are very young. I must not expect too much love at first. Just say that you will marry me!"
"Without loving you?" she asked in sudden wonder.
"Why not?" he asked, smiling into her eyes. "Once we are married, I will teach you to love."
He leaned so near to her now that his breath was upon her cheek. She felt he was about to kiss her. She withdrew from him with a sudden repulsion.
"Don't!" she said, imploringly. "I never could love you—nor any other man," she added, childishly, finding words to make the hurt seem less.
At this moment Stella appeared at the door.