He spoke with conviction. Magda called up all her courage to defy him.
“And do you propose to prevent it?” she asked contemptuously.
“Yes.” Then, suddenly: “Adoree, don’t force me to do it! I don’t want to. Because it will hurt you horribly. And it will all be saved if you’ll promise to marry me.”
He spoke appealingly, with an earnestness that was unmistakable. But Magda’s nerve was gradually returning.
“You don’t seem to understand that you can’t prevent my marrying Michael—or anyone else,” she said coolly. “You haven’t the power.”
“I can prevent your marrying Michael”—doggedly.
She was silent a moment.
“I suppose,” she said at last, “you think that because he once thought badly of me you can make him think the same again. Well, you can’t. Michael and I trust each other—absolutely!”
Her face was transfigured. Michael trusted her now! Nothing could really hurt her while he believed in her. She could afford to laugh at Antoine’s threat.
“And now,” she said quietly, “will you please release me?”