“What the devil did you think all this talk meant?” he demanded. “You've heard enough of it.”
“Does Aunt Elinor know?”
“Of course.”
“And she approves?”
“I don't know and I don't care.” Suddenly, with one of the quick changes she knew so well, he caught her hands and drawing her to her feet, put his arms around her. “All I know is that I love you, and if you say the word I'll cut the whole business.”
“You would?”
He amended his offer somewhat.
“Marry me, honey,” he begged. “Marry me now. Do you think I'll let anything in God's world come between us? Marry me, and I'll do more than leave them.” He was whispering to her, stroking her hair. “I'll cut the whole outfit. And on the day I go into your house as your husband I'll tell your people some things they want to know. That's a promise.”
“What will they do to you?”
“Your people?”