A blur came before her eyes, a great lump seemed to rise in her throat and almost choke her.
Oh, she thought, if she could only flee away to her own room at home in Cincinnati and stay by herself, out of the sight or sound of everybody, what a relief it would be!
She shrank more and more from Belle and Will and the idea of going about from place to place with them; still, a feeling of guilt and wrong oppressed her every time she thought of marrying this good, noble man, and giving him only the ashes of a dead love in return for the wealth of his affection for her.
Yet, of the two plans, the going to the Isle of Wight, to quiet and rest, seemed the most attractive, while the yachting proposal was very alluring, for Violet was intensely fond of the sea.
Vane Cameron was conscious of the shock which had so thrilled her, but whether it had been caused by pleasure or repugnance he could not tell. He feared the latter, for his sweet bride-elect had, thus far, been very unresponsive to his love and devotion.
He sat regarding her very gravely and somewhat sadly, while she seemed to be considering his proposition.
His thought had been more for her health and comfort than of his own desire or pleasure, but he would not bias her decision one way or the other.
Finally Violet lifted her eyes to his face, while a faint flush tinged her pale cheek.
"I will do whatever you like—whatever you think best," she said, quietly.
His heart leaped as he remarked the flush, but he returned, earnestly, tenderly: