'I would do far more for you than that,' he answered. Suddenly it flashed through her mind why he had come. Her heart gave a great beat against her chest. The thought had never entered her head. She sat down and waited for him to speak. He did not move. There was a singular immobility about him when something absorbed his mind.
'I wrote and asked if I might see you alone, because I had something that I wanted to say to you. I've wanted to say it ever since we were at Court Leys together, but I was going away—heaven only knows when I shall come back, and perhaps something may happen to me—and I thought it was unfair to you to speak.'
He paused. His eyes were fixed upon hers. She waited for him to go on.
'I wanted to ask you if you would marry me.'
She drew a long breath. Her face kept its expression of intense gravity.
'It's very kind and chivalrous of you to suggest it. You mustn't think me ungrateful if I tell you I can't.'
'Why not?' he asked quietly.
'I must look after my father. If it is any use I shall go and live near the prison.'
'There is no reason why you should not do that if you married me.'
She shook her head.