"I am not going to let you leave me. I absolutely forbid it. Don't let us talk about it any more or speak of it again unless you are ready to tell me your reason."
There was a long silence, broken only by her sobs.
"Viola."
"Yes."
"Did you hear what I said?"
"Yes."
"Well, do not worry any more. You can't go, so it is settled. Nothing can hurt us while we remain together."
Viola did not say anything, but she ceased to cry and kissed me and lay still in my arms.
There was some minutes' silence, then I said:
"Let's go up to bed. Sleep will do you good. You look tired and exhausted to the last degree."