"Now, _ma chérie_, it's no use arguing. There is really nothing more to be said on the matter, so don't let the morning milkman find us still wasting breath. It is absolutely impossible that I can stand by and watch my cousin run blindly into a marriage with--well--with you! I think you really owe me some thanks for not enlightening him immediately. The fact is, I've always been ridiculously yielding and considerate where you are concerned, and the thought flashed across me yesterday that you might prefer to choose your own method of breaking with him. Now, what about--about that cheque, little girl? There's no reason why you shouldn't make an excellent marriage yet. The world is wide. They say American men make good husbands, and I will give you my blessing in anticipation." Evarne remained silently musing for several minutes. Morris augured well from this, and did not interrupt her train of thought. At length she asked, in tones not devoid of a slight tinge of bitterness-- "And am I expected to thank you for all your kindly consideration?" He merely shrugged his shoulders. Somewhat to his surprise she answered quietly-- "Very well. I do thank you for keeping my secret so long, and for your offer of money, which I can well believe you mean simply as a kindness." "Ah! And you decide...? What are you going to do now?" "I am going to marry Geoffrey Danvers." "Evarne!" Morris was decidedly taken aback by this calm yet resolute response. Evarne rose from her knees, and sitting down continued-- "Yes, I am going to become his wife, and you shall never persuade me into telling him what I know well must cause him such profound sorrow. Not that it would make any lasting perceptible difference if you did betray me. You have no idea--for _you_ can have no comprehension--of how deeply he and I love. I don't really think it lies within your power to realise the depth--such--such sincerity of affection. I am perfectly convinced that he would remain true to me, despite a far worse tale than you could tell." "You don't really credit that romance. This attempt to marry him with a lie upon your lips proves you to be afraid of the effects of the truth." "You're partly right, I admit; but I do not fear that Geoff would cease to care for me. Love is not killed so easily--don't think it." "I know differently." "You know absolutely nothing at all about love! Nothing!" "Well, I certainly cannot prophesy upon the delicate topic of my cousin's affections with anything approaching your delightful assurance. Probably he would suggest that he should occupy the same position towards you that I did once, but I'm quite convinced----" "Heaven save me from ever hearing such a proposition from Geoff's lips. But I know he never would." "As I was about to say, I am perfectly convinced that he would never marry you--would never wish to! Good gracious! what do you take him for?" Evarne gave a little cry.