“No,” she said gravely, “no, I did not!”
“And you love me now!” he went on insistingly.
“No, no!” Mary's denial came like a cry for escape.
“You love me now!” There was a masterful quality in his declaration, which seemed to ignore her negation.
“I don't,” she repeated bitterly.
But he was inexorable.
“Look me in the face, and say that.”
He took her face in his hands, lifted it, and his eyes met hers searchingly.
“Look me in the face, and say that,” he repeated.
There was a silence that seemed long, though it was measured in the passing of seconds. The three watchers dared not interrupt this drama of emotions, but, at last, Mary, who had planned so long for this hour, gathered her forces and spoke valiantly. Her voice was low, but without any weakness of doubt.