She rose and stood beside him, holding her head very proudly.
“Put upon my honour like that,” she replied, “I should have to say ‘Yes.’ ”
He took both her hands in his and raised them to his lips.
“That’s all I want to know. But as I don’t reproach you, I’m not going to ask you, my dear. If I were Lord of the Earth or a millionth part of the earth I would laugh and take the risk. But as things are, I can’t accept your generosity. You are the woman I love and shall always love. Good-bye and God bless you.”
He wrung her hand and marched down the verandah, his head in the air, looking a very gallant fellow. After a few seconds’ perplexity she ran swiftly in pursuit.
“Martin!” she cried.
He turned and awaited her approach.
“I feel I’ve behaved to you like the lowest of women. I’ll make my amends if you like. I’ll marry you. There!”
Martin stood racked with the great temptation. All his senses absorbed her beauty and her wonder. At length he asked:
“Do you love me?”