"How should I know?"
"Do you know?"
"Upon my soul, Marion, I do not."
"Well, and after that what would happen?"
"He would laugh and snap his fingers at imaginary conspirators, and dare them to do their worst, and then he would break out into a laugh of triumph. And, as I hope to live, Marion, that's all."
"Every word?"
"Every syllable, I swear to you. Marion, I could not tell you a lie. Marion, I never loved you until now. If you bid me, I will die for you. If you tell me, I will go away and never see you again. Try me. Bid me go or bid me die. Tell me to do anything, if you will only believe I love you as I never loved you before--as I never loved any other woman in the world. Since you will not forgive me, since you will not give me your love for mine, since you will not let me be near you or see you, set me something to do by which I can show you I am sincere--madly in earnest."
He bent towards her, and held out his hands, but did not leave his chair. His voice, his whole frame shook with excitement.
She raised her hand and lowered it gently, as a signal that he was to be still and silent.
He drew his arms and his body quickly back, and sat mutely regarding her.