"Those things are merely predispositions," he said. "Self-command makes them harmless."
"I told her that. She says that they are living sparks that will smoulder while life endures."
"Suppose they are," he said; "they can never flame unless nursed.... Kathleen, I want to see her——"
"She will not."
"Has she spoken at all of me?"
"Yes."
"Bitterly?"
"Y-yes. I don't know what you did. She is very morbid just now, anyway; very desperate. But I know that, unconsciously, she counts on an adjustment of any minor personal difficulty with you.... She loves you dearly, Duane."
He passed an unsteady hand across his eyes.
"She must marry me. I can't stand aloof from this battle any longer."