She turned on him defiantly and looked into his eyes. Then her glance fell under his more burning one. She flushed and turned away.
“I suppose,” she said, huskily with humiliation, “that you have paid the rent yourself.” She was almost in tears.
“Now don’t take it like that,” pleaded Harry. “No one but you and me will ever know. And if you will let me I will take you away from all this.”
Patience raised her head. She had recovered her composure.
“All men come to that finally,” she said coldly. “Even in my slight experience I have learned the phrase almost by heart. All men say that. They offer—”
“Just a moment.” Harry put out his hand emphatically. “Wait! All the men in your slight experience may have said it, but all have not meant it. I mean that if I take you away from all this I shall take you as Mrs. Harry Boland—as my wife.”
“Harry!” His name was wrenched from the girl’s very heart by her surprise.
“Do you believe that I love you now?” demanded Boland.
“Yes. I didn’t know, I didn’t understand. I have wronged you ever since I have known you. Forgive me. But your father?”
“Let me call your attention to the fact,” said Harry, planting himself firmly before her, “that I am many years past the age of seven—and can choose a wife for myself.”