There _was_ something in this last appeal that touched
her--some note of 'the imperishable child,' which indeed she had
always recognized in the Squire's strange personality.
The Squire waited--frowning. When she looked up at last she spoke in
her natural friendly voice.
'I don't think, Mr. Mannering, we had better go on talking like
this. I can't accept what you offer me--'
'Again I can't think why,' he interrupted vehemently; 'you have
given me no sort of explanation. Why must you refuse?'
'Because I don't feel like it,' she said, smiling. 'That's all I
need say. Please don't think me ungrateful. You've offered me now a
position and a home--and you've given me my head all this time. I
shall never forget it. But I'm afraid--'
'That now I've made such an ass of myself you'll have to go?'
She thought a moment.
'I don't know that I need say that--if--if I could be sure--'
'Of what? Name your conditions!'
His face suddenly lightened again. And again a quick compunction
struck her.
She looked at him gently.
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