"Captain Everard, I am sorry for the past—I have atoned, if suffering can atone. Have a little pity, and let me alone!"
He stood and looked at her silently, gravely. Then said, in a voice deep and calm:
"We are both free! Will you marry me now, Ada!"
"I cannot!"
"But I love you—I have always loved you. And you—I used to think you loved me!"
He was strangely calm and passionless, voice and glance and face. But Lady Thetford had covered her face, and was sobbing.
"I did—I do—I always have! But I cannot marry you. I will love you all my life; but don't, don't ask me to be your wife!"
"As you please!" he said, in the same passionless voice. "I think it is best myself; for the George Everard of to-day is not the George Everard who loved you eight years ago. We would not be happy—I know that. Ada, is that your son?"
"Yes."
"I should like to look at him. Here, my little baronet! I want to see you."