Delafield smiled.
"Does that mean that I am asking you now because he bade me?"
A pause. Julie must needs raise her eyes to his. She flushed red and withdrew them.
"No," he said, with a long breath, "you don't mean that, and you don't think it. As for you--yes, you are bound! Julie, once more I bring you my plea, and you must consider it."
"How can I be your wife?" she said, her breast heaving. "You know all that has happened. It would be monstrous."
"Not at all," was his quiet reply. "It would be natural and right. Julie, it is strange that I should be talking to you like this. You're so much cleverer than I--in some ways, so much stronger. And yet, in others--you'll let me say it, won't you?--I could help you. I could protect you. It's all I care for in the world."
"How can I be your wife?" she repeated, passionately, wringing her hands.
"Be what you will--at home. My friend, comrade, housemate. I ask nothing more--nothing." His voice dropped, and there was a pause. Then he resumed. "But, in the eyes of the world, make me your servant and your husband!"
"I can't condemn you to such a fate," she cried. "You know where my heart is."
Delafield did not waver.