If you leave now, I can even promise you, my dear, that, before the next day dawns, the very soul of Caroline will be a pawn in my hands.

Do you doubt it?
Such an exquisitely tender, such a delicate soul as Caroline, can you doubt that I can form invisible bonds which will hold her even when she is a thousand miles away from me?
Tush, my dear; think again, and you will think better of my ability." "Suppose," Ruth said, "I were to offer to stay ?" He bowed.

"You tempt me, with such overwhelming generosity, to become even more generous myself and set her free at once.

But, alas, I am essentially a practical man.

If you will stay with me, Ruth, if you marry me at once, why, then indeed this girl is as free as the wind.
Otherwise I should be a fool.