She was amazed at the sudden change in his face; a look of furious anger flashed into his eyes; he rose to his feet. "You're not serious?" he said quietly. Esther laughed; she felt painfully nervous without knowing why. "Serious? Indeed I am!" she answered. "Mr. Mellowes, what are you doing?..." Micky had caught her hands. Jealousy was driving him with whips of fire--jealousy of this phantom lover, whom he himself had created. "You're not to go," he said hoarsely. "I--I--I can't bear to think of you having to work for your living. There's no need--it's all nonsense. You'd hate being at the Ashtons.... Esther----" She wrenched herself free; she was white to the lips. "You must be mad!" she said. "How dare you speak like this? What is it to you what I do? How dare you try to interfere? What business is it of yours?" Micky laughed shakily; he had recovered himself a little now. "It's everything to me," he said rather hoarsely. "You must know that it is. Esther, will you marry me?" If only premeditated proposals were made, there would be few marriages in the world. Ten minutes ago, when Micky Mellowes walked into the room, he had no intention of asking Esther to marry him, but now it seemed as if he had come for that express purpose as he stood there, grimly obstinate. There was a moment of silence; then Esther drew herself up. "I think you must be mad," she said. "I've only seen you once or twice in my life. I have told you that I am already engaged." "I know, but it makes no difference," said Micky. "I ask you to marry me--will you marry me?" She drew back from him. "You must be mad." Micky laughed. "You've said that two or three times already, but I assure you that I'm quite sane. I loved you the first moment I ever saw you, but, of course, you won't believe it. However, that doesn't matter--you haven't answered my question. Will you marry me?" "You know I am engaged--how dare you?..." She backed away from him till she was close to the door. Micky laughed savagely. "You needn't be afraid--I'm not going to hurt you--I'm not going to move from this hearthrug, but I should like you to answer my question. Once again, will you marry me?" "No----" He forgot his promise and took a step towards her. "I can make you happier than any other man possibly could. I've never cared for a woman in my life till I met you...." "I wouldn't marry you if you were the only man in the world--I--I don't even like you...." Her voice shook with anger now. "My answer is no--no--no! I shall never change my mind if I live to be a hundred ..." she added vehemently. The words seemed forced from her by something in his eyes.