"What did you say?"
"I am at the mercy of things, I need a wife. I want you," he answered incoherently.
"Why do you want me?"
"Because you are able and quiet, because you're work atmosphere, because you are the kind I need."
"You know nothing about me, Mr. Paxton," she said quietly.
"Are you married?"
"No. I mean you know nothing about my thoughts, my interests, my views of life."
"I don't care what your views of life are. I know you don't talk about them all the time. I've known you for five years, and I ask you to marry me."
"You think I can protect you from the other women; is that it?"
"I didn't mean to say——"