He had prepared himself for an unkind reception. “There is something you must hear before I go,” he said. “And, Kitty, don’t trouble to try to make me lose my temper, because I’m not going to oblige you in that way. In any other way, you have only to ask.” “Then if you must talk, please leave my name out.” After a slight pause he said: “Would you mind putting down your book for a few minutes?” She lowered it, her finger at the place, and faced him. “Well?” “Have you no question to ask me?” “None.” “You are great!” he exclaimed. “But I have a question to ask.” She lifted her hand to her mouth and gave a little yawn. His colour deepened, but he spoke calmly enough. “How soon will you marry me, Kitty?” There was cruelty in her voice. “Mr. Symington, how far do you intend to go with this idiotic business?” She threw a significant glance around the room. “It must have cost you a good deal of money so far—and all for nothing!” He winced, but kept himself in hand. “How soon will you marry me?” “You know I will never marry you.” She made to resume her book. “I know that you shall!” He moved quickly and stood over her. “Don’t you see that you are in my power?” “I’m under lock and key, if that’s what you mean.” “Don’t force me to tell you what I mean. I’d far rather have your promise without that. . . . Kitty, listen! You can’t deny that you know I’m desperately fond of you.” His words came swiftly now. “And I can’t deny that I’m aware you don’t even like me. But just as you could make what you please of me, I believe in time, I could—” “Stop!” “You must hear me! I’m a rich man, though hardly anybody knows it. I can offer you a splendid life—give you things you’ve never dreamed of, take you abroad, make you a home wherever you desire. . . . Kitty, I confess I’ve done lots to be ashamed of in my time, but I swear I’ll make you a good husband—” “Oh, do stop!” she said, her calm broken. “How can you—how dare you—talk so after all you have done—the abominable things you have done to me? . . . Rich? What should I care if you had all the money in the world? Why, I shouldn’t care enough to ask how you had got it—” His hand fell on her shoulder. “Be careful,” he said in tense tones. “For as surely as I am touching you now you are going to marry me!” She shook off his hand. “If you touch me again—” She stopped short. “Well?” It was almost a sneer. Next moment he said: “Don’t be afraid, Kitty. I’m not that sort. You—you’re sacred. . . . But you do not leave this place until we go out of it together to be married. Don’t think you can escape, and don’t imagine it will be so very long till you give in. Your friends may find their way here some day, but they won’t be in time. Afterwards—what will your friends matter? You’ll be my wife, and no one shall dare come between us!”