"Nonsense!" exclaimed the soldier. "If they don't bother me, Necia, why should you worry?"
"Would you really have to give up your family—your sister? Would those people you are so proud of and who are so proud of you—would they cut you off?"
"There is no question of cutting off. I have no inheritance coming; I don't want any. I don't want anything except you, dear."
"Won't you tell me?" she persisted. "You see, I am dull at these things."
"Well, what if they do?" he conceded. "You more than make it up to me—you outweigh a thousand families."
"And would your marriage to a—a—to me destroy your army career?"
"Well, it will really be much easier for both of us if I resign from the Service," he finally admitted. "In fact, I've decided to do so at once."
"No, no! You mustn't do that. To-night you think I am worth the price, but a day will come—"
He leaned forward and caught her hands in his.
"—Meade, I can't let you do it."