There was a long silence. Then she tried to smile.
"My—my lips? I—thought you took such things—lightly——"
She hesitated, glanced up at him, then began to tremble.
"Duane—if you are in earnest about our—about an engagement—promise me that I may be released if I—think best——"
"Why?"
"I—I might fail——"
"The more need of me. But you can't fail——"
"Yes, but if I should, dear. Will you release me? I cannot—I will not engage myself to you—unless you promise to let me go if I think it best. You know what my word means. Give it back to me if matters go wrong with me. Will you?"
"But I am going to marry you now!" he said with a short, excited laugh.
"Now!" she repeated, appalled.