As she spoke, the girl turned toward him, and he moved impulsively nearer.
"I will take you home," he said; "but first I want to ask you a question—you must hear me. Madge, are you utterly heartless? Twice, when I told you of my love, you rejected it. But I persevered—I did not lose hope. And now I ask you again, for the third time, will you be my wife? Do I not deserve my reward?"
The girl did not answer. Her eyes were downcast, and one little foot tapped the flagstone nervously.
"I love you with all my heart, Madge," he went on, with deep and sincere passion in his voice. "You cannot doubt that, whatever you may think of me. You are the best and sweetest of women—the only one in the world for me. I will make your life happy. You shall want for nothing."
"Mr. Nevill, you know that I do not love you."
"But you will learn to in time."
"I fear not. No, I am sure of it."
"I will take the risk. I will hope that love will come."
"And you would marry me, knowing that I do not care for you in that way?"
"Yes, gladly. I cannot live without you. Say yes, Madge, and make me the happiest of men."