"I am going to say something which will surprise you very much, Miss Sharp," I began. She raised her head a little. "I will put the case to you quite baldly--I am very rich as you know--I am still horrid to look at--I am lonely and I want a companion who would play the piano to me, and who would help me to write books, and who would travel with me. I cannot have any of these simple things because of the scandal people would make--so there is only one course open to me--that is to go through the marriage ceremony--Miss Sharp--under those terms will you marry me?" Her attitude had become tense--her face did not flush, it became very pale. She remained perfectly silent for a moment. I felt just the same as I used to do before going over the top--a queer kind of excitement--a wonder if I'd come through or not. As she did not answer I went on. "I would not expect anything from you except a certain amount of your company. There would not be any question of living with me as a wife--I would promise even to keep in check that side which you once saw and which I was so sorry about. I would settle lots of money on you, and give anything to your family you might wish. I would not bother you, you would be quite free--only I would like you to take interest in my work in a way--and to play to me--even if you would not talk to me." My voice broke a little at the end of this; I was conscious of it, and of how weak it was of me. Her hands clasped together suddenly--and she appeared as though she was going to speak, then remained silent. "Won't you answer me at all?" I pleaded. "It is such a strange proposal--I would wish to refuse it at once----" "It is quite bald, I know," I interrupted quickly. "I want to buy you--that is all--you can name the price. I know if you consented it would merely be for the same reason which makes you work. I presume it is for your family, not for yourself; therefore, I am counting upon that to influence you. Whatever you would want for your family I should be delighted to give you." She twisted her locked hands--the first sign of real emotion I have seen in her. "You would marry me--without knowing anything about me? It is very strange--." "Yes. I think you are extremely intelligent--if you would consent to talk to me sometimes. I want to go into Parliament--when I am patched up and more decent looking, and I believe you would be of the greatest help to me." "You mean the whole thing simply as a business arrangement?" "I have already stated that." She started to her feet.