I have always taken the same interest in you that I should have taken in a dearly-beloved sister of my own, if Heaven had given me one." She murmured some few words which he did not hear.
"I am going to speak to you now," he continued, "just as though you were my own sister, have I your permission to do so, Philippa ?" "Yes," she replied.
"And you promise not to be angry about any thing that I may say ?" "I could never be angry with you, Norman," she answered.
"Then I want you to tell me why you will not marry the Duke of Hazlewood.

You have treated me as your brother and your friend.

The question might seem impertinent from another; from me it will not appear impertinent, not curious--simply true and kindly interest.

Why will you not marry him, Philippa ?" A quick sharp spasm of pain passed over her face.

She was silent for a minute before she answered him, and then she said: "The reason is very simple, Norman--because I do not love him." "That is certainly a strong reason; but, Philippa, let me ask you now another question--why do you not love him ?" She could have retorted, "Why do you not love me ?" but prudence forbade it.
"I cannot tell you.