"You would have risked your life for mine," she persisted, her eyes still on him.
"Hardly that," he returned, with an effort to force a smile. "But had it been necessary, I should have been quite content to do so."
"And you will not tell me how I can show my gratitude?"
"I did not do it for reward," he murmured, scarcely able to restrain himself.
"I am sure of that," she assented. "But you once hinted, or at any rate led me to believe, that I could repay you."
There could be no pretence of ignoring her meaning now. Still he felt that chivalry forbade his acceptance.
"I was wrong," he replied with an effort, "and most unfair if I suggested a bargain."
"Have you repented the suggestion?" she asked almost quizzingly and with a curious absence of her characteristic pride.
"Only in a sense," he answered. "I hope I am too honourable to take an unfair advantage."
She laughed now; joyously, it seemed. "If your scruples are so strong there will be nothing for it but for me to throw away mine and offer myself to you."