Under YOUR protection I know I am quite safe, but I cannot always enjoy that--" The moment had come.

I advanced a step or two.
"Why not ?" I said.

"It rests entirely with yourself." She started and half rose from her chair--her work dropped from her hands.
"What do you mean, conte ?" she faltered, half timidly, yet anxiously; "I do not understand!" "I mean what I say," I continued in cool hard tones, and stooping, I picked up her work and restored it to her; "but pray do not excite yourself! You say you cannot always enjoy my protection; it seems to me that you can--by becoming my wife." "Conte!" she stammered.

I held up my hand as a sign to her to be silent.
"I am perfectly aware," I went on in business-like accents--"of the disparity in years that exists between us.

I have neither youth, health, or good looks to recommend me to you.