"Not for everyone," she said. Then suddenly: "Why are you here to-day,
Roger? I told you to come on Monday."
"I know you did. But I couldn't wait. It was horrible, Nan, just getting a few words over the 'phone twice a day to say how you were. I had to see for myself."
His eyes sought her throat where the lash of the hunting-crop had wealed it. The mark had almost disappeared. With a sudden, passionate movement he caught her in his arms and pressed his lips against the faint scar.
"Nan!" he said hoarsely. "Nan, say 'yes'! Say it quickly!"
She drew away from him, freeing herself from the clasp of his arms.
"I'm not sure it is 'yes.' You must hear what I have to say first. You wouldn't listen the other day. But to-day, Roger, you must—you must."
"You're not going to take back your promise?" he demanded jealously.
"It wasn't quite a promise, was it?" she said gently. "But it's for you to decide—when you know everything."
"Then I'll decide now," he answered quickly. "I want you—Nan, how I want you! I don't care anything at all about the past—I don't want to know anything—"
"But you must know"—steadily. "Perhaps when you know—you won't want me."