“Dick,” she said after a moment’s harsh stillness, “don’t make me choose. It—it’s too—it hurts too much. I couldn’t! I simply can’t do it. If you make me give up the stage, you make me tear out my heart. You wouldn’t ask that?”
“It’s a question of which means more. I’m merely asking what any normal man has the right to ask of the woman he marries—first place.”
“But you’ll have that.”
“No. You won’t be free to give it to me.”
“It’s queer”—her voice came shakily. “I’ve dreamed [310] ]of love as every girl does. But I never dreamed it would mean this—this sacrifice.”
“It won’t mean sacrifice to you. I’ll fill your life, Nancy. I’ll make you forget there ever was any other bond. Sweetheart—don’t you believe I will?”
She swayed toward him—then just as quickly pulled back.
“Haven’t I the right to ask it?” he urged.
“Dick—”
“Haven’t I?”