That was essential, if there was the slightest chance of your even listening to my proposition, as indeed you are doing now.

Last night I told you nothing, because that's always easier than telling only a little; moreover, you were so distraught that you would possibly have gone right away without benefiting even to the slight extent of the comfortable night's rest you so badly needed; but this morning I am prepared to put it to the touch.

And let me begin by saying, that if circumstances would permit me to continue the paternal imposture, that would be quite enough for me; unluckily, I am known in my own country as an old bachelor; so that I cannot suddenly produce a widowed daughter, without considerable unpleasantness for us both.

What I can do, however," and Steel bent further forward, with eyes that held Rachel's in their spell; "what I can do, and will, is to go back with a lady who shall be my wife in name, my daughter in effect.

We should, I trust, be the best of friends; but I will give you my word, and not only my word but my bond, that we never need be anything more." He had spoken rapidly; the pause that followed lasted longer than this lengthy speech.