"No, I haven't. I'm afraid I never shall. But,--it's over, you see," Teresa said quickly. "It _has_ happened. A whole year has passed, Dane, and you have never once been to see me. Chumley has been sorry for me for months; it _expects_ me to be jilted. You need not worry about my sufferings in that respect. The worst is over... Besides, I have no intention of staying in Chumley." Dane muttered a furious word, controlled himself, and put another question. "What exactly is your intention, Teresa?" "I shall take up some work. Girls always say that, and people laugh. I don't mind if they do. They won't laugh long. I shall succeed. I am the sort of person who does succeed. I like work, and I like to do it well... For two or three years I shall work hard,--so hard that I shall have no time to think..." She stopped, leaving the effect of an unfinished sentence, but Dane had no difficulty in divining her thoughts. The sting of jealousy added force to the impulses which swept him forward to her side. This time he ignored her protests, seizing her hands and drawing her close, until her face touched his own. "We're talking nonsense, we're talking nonsense, little girl! What do we care what people say? What does it matter what the whole world chooses to believe? You belong to me, and I'm not going to give you up! You've had your own way; now it's my turn. You are not going to have a chance of succeeding at anything, except at being my wife! Marry me, dear girl, marry me quickly! I need you badly." Teresa did not stir. Seen close at hand, her face looked fair, and sweet, and young, but pitifully sad. In the blue eyes there was the same sadness, and the sound of his eager words seemed but to deepen the pain. She had an air of waiting with all her being for the sound of something that had not come. Dane looked into her eyes, and understood. Still with his arms around her he pressed her into a chair, and knelt on the floor at her feet. "Teresa, answer! Have I always told you the truth?" She gave a startled look, but answered unhesitatingly "Yes!" "You can trust me to say just what is in my heart?" She nodded slightly, motionless in his grasp. "Teresa, darling," said Dane softly, "I love you truly. I love you with a full heart. It isn't remorse, and it isn't pity, and it isn't friendship... it's love, Teresa! Look in my eyes, and see if I am speaking the truth?"