"Marius!" she entreated, overwhelmed, surprised, in no way moved with anything save pity. "Please do not say anything more now."
Again came his desperate passionate question. "Do you not understand me? I want you—some day when I am not penniless—to be my wife."
Susannah made an effort over herself; her own emotions were in no way touched, but she was desperately sorry and a great deal startled; always she had considered him as very young.
"I have never thought of this, Marius," she said simply, pale as was he, but composed. "And I am honoured that you should care; but ah! my dear, you do not quite mean what you say."
He coloured furiously.
"By Heaven, I love you."
She looked away.
"I hope you do not mean that," she answered, "because——"
He half laughed.