I can't help it.

If you will marry me, and so make sure, I will keep it secret as long as you like; I shall have got you, whatever they may say or do; but if you won't, I'll leave the country at once, and get peace if I can't get love." "Leave the country ?" said Mary, faintly.

"What good would that do ?" "I don't know.

Perhaps bring my father to his senses for one thing; and--who knows ?--perhaps you will listen to reason when you see I can't wait for the consent of two egotists--for that is what they both are--that have no real love or pity for you or me." "Ah," said Mary, with a deep sigh, "I see even men have their faults, and I admired them so.

They are impatient, selfish." "Yes, if it is selfish to defend one's self against brutal selfishness, I am selfish; and that is better than to be a slave to egotists, and lie down to be trodden on as you would do.