Her breath came and went as she listened, but she smiled bravely.
"At any rate I am not like some women. I never could take any of the deeper aspects of life in a merely frivolous spirit. With me it is a loyal, deep friendship, or nothing."
He took her hand again. "Believe me, dear child, the friendship on my part is equally loyal and deep. It is for life."
"For life," she murmured, suddenly grown pale.
He dashed in, determined to strike home.
"I prize you at your full worth, since I am one of those who can measure it. I have the deepest affection for you. I believe I could make you happy. Don't you understand? I offer you my whole life—that is, if you think me worthy."
"Worthy!" she echoed, in dazed distress. "How can you think me worthy of you! I have lived in narrow retirement. I am nothing."
He seized both her hands now. "No more of this. I ask for your promise."
"I love you with all my heart and soul. But I am not good enough for you."
"I thought we agreed you were not like other women, and yet there is this stiff-necked obstinacy." He drew her nearer to him, and kissed her on the lips. "It is settled—you are to be my wife."