"Is it? I think it would be far more strange if I had lived with you for a year without learning—to care. That is why I can never say 'Yes' to your request."
"And I am determined that you shall say 'Yes' to it in the end."
The note of immobility in his low voice made her feel powerless to resist him; but she steeled herself against the sensation by main force of will.
"At least I can forbid any further mention of it till you are fitter to cope with such a disturbing subject. Are you aware that it's only two o'clock? And you need sleep more than anything else just now. I'll give you some beef-jelly, and sit in my own room for an hour, or I believe you will never go off again at all."
But when she returned at the end of an hour she found him still awake.
"Honor,"—he began; but she checked him with smiling decision. "Not another word to-night, Theo, or I must go altogether."
The threat was more compelling than she knew; and sitting down by the table, she took up her vigil as before.