“Then I have made——?”
“About two thousand pounds.”
“Can I have a check at once, for——?” Lady Mildred stopped, and her face flushed painfully. She hated that this man should know that she so sorely needed the money; but poverty must sink its pride.
“You can have a check when you want. But I do not want to talk business, Lady Mildred—I am a blunt man, and I must come straight to the point. Will you be my wife?”
His eyes were fixed eagerly on her face, and it required a great effort to hide the passion that swayed him. But he would play the game as he had planned, and when he continued, his voice was almost devoid of expression.
“I am aware that you don’t love me, but I am content to take you on your own terms. I won’t insult you by remarking that I am a rich man. But money can be very useful. There is your brother—and——”
“You wish to remind me that he is on the verge of bankruptcy. Let us be quite frank with one another. I suppose you know that I shall accept your offer,” she continued very quietly.
“I hoped that you would.”
“You forget your boasted bluntness. You knew that I could not refuse—I wonder that you want me. There are many girls more beautiful, and with blood as blue in their veins. Why do you honor me?”
Gaunt longed to seize her in his arms and answer the question by fierce kisses.