"Not glad! I was stunned, too completely surprised to object. You all took my willingness so for granted that I could find no words to express my real feelings. Indeed I do not believe I knew what they were--not until I sat here alone thinking, and then there came to me a perfect horror of it all. I tried to fight my doubts, tried to convince myself that it was right to proceed, but only to find it impossible. I loathe the very thought; if I consent I know I shall regret the act as long as I live." "But, Billie," he urged earnestly, "what can have occurred to make this sudden change in you? Captain Le Gaire belongs to one of the most distinguished families of the South; is wealthy, educated, a polished gentleman. He will give you everything to make life attractive. Surely this is but a mere whim!" "Have you found me to be a nervous girl, full of whims?" "No, certainly not, but--" "And this is no whim, no mood. I cannot tell, cannot explain all that has of late caused me to distrust Captain Le Gaire, only I do not feel toward him as I once did. I never can again, and if you insist on this marriage, it will mean to me unhappiness--I am, sure of that." "But what can we do at this late hour! Everything is prepared, arranged for; even the minister has arrived, and is waiting." She stood before him, her hands clasped, trembling from head to foot, yet with eyes determined. "Will you delay action a few moments, and send Captain Le Gaire to me? I--I must see him alone." He hesitated, avoiding her eyes and permitting his glance to wander about the room. "Please do this for me." "But in your present mood--" "I am perfectly sane," and she stood straight before him, insistent, resolute. "Indeed I think I know myself better than for months past. I shall say nothing wrong to Captain Le Gaire, and if he is a gentleman he will honor me more for my frankness. Either you will send him here to me, or else I shall go to him." The major bowed with all the ceremony of the old school, convinced of the utter futility of further argument. "You will have you own way; you always have," regretfully. "I shall request the captain to join you here." CHAPTER XIX LE GAIRE FORCES A DECISION