Wilson fought for self-control in vain.
"Collie, if you love me, how can you marry Jack Belllounds?" he demanded.
"I must."
"Why must you?"
"I owe my life and my bringing up to his father. He wants me to do it. His heart is set upon my helping Jack to become a man.... Dad loves me, and I love him. I must stand by him. I must repay him. It is my duty."
"You've a duty to yourself--as a woman!" he rejoined, passionately. "Belllounds is wrapped up in his son. He's blind to the shame of such a marriage. But you're not."
"Shame?" faltered Columbine.
"Yes. The shame of marrying one man when you love another. You can't love two men.... You'll give yourself. You'll be his wife! Do you understand what that means?"
"I--I think--I do," replied Columbine, faintly. Where had vanished all her wonderful spirit? This fire-eyed boy was breaking her heart with his reproach.
"But you'll bear his children," cried Wilson. "Mother of--them--when you love me!... Didn't you think of that?"