"Don't try me too much, Pamela, or I might take you at your word."
"I want you to take me at my word."
"I am sure you do—at this moment."
"Now and always."
"My little Pam! Still mine till I give you up of my own free will. You will trust me to do what is for the best?"
"I will trust you for ever. You are not going to give me up?"
Again his face contracted.
"Not unless I ought to, Pam. Not unless the lad is straight and can prove himself worthy of you. If I feel he can make you happier than I can, I will give you to him. If not, I will keep you in spite of yourself, and trust to my love to make you forget him."
"I think that might easily come true."
"Don't make it hard for me, Pam, if I have to cede my right to another. Pamela"—she had lifted her hands to him in her emotion—"where is your ring?"