“I don't see why. Our people want it. We are fond of each other. I never cared for any girl but you.”
“Let's stick to the business reasons, Ned.”
“Hang it, you're so acid about it! I do care for you.”
Her dry anger spurted out. “That's unfortunate, since I don't care for you.”
“I know you do. Just now you're vexed at me.”
“Yes, I am,” she admitted, nodding her head swiftly. “But it doesn't make any difference whether I am or not. I've made up my mind. I'm not going through with it.”
“You promised.”
“I didn't, not in so many words. And I was pushed into it. None of you gave me a fair chance. But I'll not go on with it.”
“But, why?”
“Because I'm an American girl, and here we don't have to marry to amalgamate business interests. I won't do it. I'd rather be—” She gave a little shrug of her shoulders. The passion died out of her voice. “Oh, well! No need getting melodramatic about it. Just the same, I won't do it. My mind's made up.”