"I, mistress? What can I do?"
"Make it the truth," she faltered, dropping her eyes.
For a time he could not speak.
"Oh, mistress!" he said, at last, with unsteady voice; "would to God I might—But think you of my reputation."
"You will amend that; 'tis no great matter."
"I am no worthy mate for you."
"You have fought for me."
"You will learn to hate me again; you hated me but yesterday."
"'Twas because I had loved you the day before; else I should not have heeded."