"
"And do you remember that I asked you a question which you have never
answered?"
"I did answer it,--as well as I knew how, so that I might tell you a
truth without hurting you."
"It was necessary,--is necessary that I should be hurt sorely, or
made perfectly happy. Violet Effingham, I have come to you to ask you
to be my wife;--to tell you that I love you, and to ask for your love
in return. Whatever may be my fate, the question must be asked, and
an answer must be given. I have not hoped that you should tell me
that you loved me--"
"For what then have you hoped?"
"For not much, indeed;--but if for anything, then for some chance
that you might tell me so hereafter."
"If I loved you, I would tell you so now,--instantly. I give you my
word of that."
"Can you never love me?"
"What is a woman to answer to such a question? No;--I believe never.
I do not think I shall ever wish you to be my husband. You ask me to
be plain, and I must be plain."
"Is it because--?" He paused, hardly knowing what the question was
which he proposed to himself to ask.
"It is for no because,--for no cause except that simple one which
should make any girl refuse any man whom she did not love. Mr.
Finn, I could say pleasant things to you on any other subject than
this,--because I like you.
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