"But you sha'n't go!" As he came close to her, she clasped him tightly with both arms. She made no attempt to avoid his kiss, and he, taking this for acquiescence, bestowed the kiss upon unresponsive lips.
"Now let me go," said he, turning to stride toward the door by which he had entered from the rear chamber.
"No, no! Stay. Time to win back my love, you said. Take the time now. You may find me not so difficult of winning back. Nay, I have never ceased to love you, at the bottom of my heart. I love you now. You shall stay."
"I must not, I dare not. Oh, I would to God I could believe you! But whether 'tis true, or a device to keep me here, I will not stay. Let me go!"
"I will not! You will have to force me from you, first! I tell you I love you—my husband!"
"If you love me, you will let me go."
"If you love me, you will stay."
"Not a moment—though God knows how I love you! I will come to see you soon again."
"If you go now, I will never let you see me again!—Nay, you must drag me after you, then!"
He was moving toward the door despite her hold; and now he caught her wrists to force open the clasp in which she held him.