"But I do ask you, Thora. I have a right to ask you. Do you love Oscar?"
"I admire and esteem him, Magnus."
"But do you love him?"
"Everybody loves Oscar."
"Do you love him, Thora?"
"Yes," said Thora softly, and for some moments after that there was no sound in the room but the ticking of the clock.
"Then, as he loves you, and wishes to marry you, it is your duty to marry him," said Magnus.
"But I have given my word to you, Magnus."
"I give you back your word, Thora."
The shining eyes were shedding tears of joy by this time, but while love fought for Oscar, duty and honor struggled for Magnus.