‘Well—­rather.  How often before I consented?’

’It matters little; at any rate, till you did consent.  I have since satisfied myself that such a marriage would be miserable for both of us.’

‘You have.’

’I have.  Of course, you can speak of me as you please and think of me as you please.  I can hardly defend myself.’

‘Hardly, I think.’

’But, with whatever result, I know that I shall now be acting for the best in declaring that I will not become—­your husband.’

‘You will not?’ She was still standing, and stretched out her right hand as though again to grasp something.

He also now rose from his chair.  ’If I speak with abruptness it is only to avoid a show...