He saw her lips part, her eyes brighten; he knew it was his despair which was winning her.
"Tell me!" And she made a little gesture with both hands toward him.
"I have seen it for days. I have lost all hope of you, Kate."
Her glance wandered slightly, and his hope increased.
"Because of Harrigan," he said.
She was remembering what Harrigan had said: "How to stop McTee? Make yourself old and your skin yellow, and your hair gray, and take the spring out of your step."
"Why do you keep the whip over him, Angus? He has saved your life, and you his. Why will you not treat him as one strong and generous man would treat another?"
"Because I love you, Kate."
"Angus, would you stop if you knew I loved him?"
"Is that a fair question, Kate? Even if you said you loved him, I could not stop, because I would have to do my best to save you from yourself."