"And Laurence loves you and depends on you."
Her silence gave assent to this.
"You feel it would be wrong to disappoint him—desert him."
"Yes, of course it would be."
"And there's no one else you care about?"
The last question was sharp and sudden. Mary started slightly, and cast a troubled and angry glance at her inquisitor. But such was the personality of this little man with the gentle firm voice and pitying eyes, such was his relation to his daughter, that she never thought of denying his authority or right to question her. She felt obliged to answer him, and truthfully too.
"Nobody—in that way," she said faintly.
"You don't love anyone else."
"No."
"And you haven't thought of marrying any one else?"