"Daren. I—I don't understand you," she said, unsteadily. "You frighten me. Let me go—please, Daren. This is—so—so unlike you. You insult me."
"Mel, I can't see it that way," he replied. "I'm only asking you to come out and marry me to-night."
That galvanized her, and she tried to slip from his embrace.
"I told you no—no—no," she cried desperately.
"That's three," said Lane, and he took them mercilessly. "You will marry me," he said sternly.
"Oh, Daren, I can't—I dare not.... Ah!—"
"You will go right now—marry me to-night."
"Please be kind, Daren.... I don't know how you—"
"Mel, where're your coat, and hat, and overshoes?" he questioned, urgently.
"I told you—no!" she flashed, passionately.