He took her hand.
"Can't we start again? I'll do my very best—I swear I will. I know you're too good for me—you ways have been. I don't deserve that you should ever have married me, but it's not too late, Marie Celeste. Come away with me, and I'll show you that I can treat you 206 decently when I like."
Someone knocked at the door. "Please, sir. Miss Chester sent me to say that dinner was ready half an hour ago."
Marie drew her hand away quickly. The interruption was very welcome.
"Let me go—please! Aunt Madge will think it so strange."
"In a moment, Marie. Will you come with me to-morrow? We'll go where you like; I'll do anything in the world you wish. . ."
She shook her head.
"I don't know; I can't decide now. Ill think it over."
"When will you tell me?"
"I don't know; to-morrow—yes, to-morrow morning."