He saw her in the light--her gold hair and brilliant dress illuminated against the dark and splendid background of the Nike in shadow.
She spoke with hesitation.
'I confess I should like to know, Mr.Mannering, what it is you are asking me to sign.' 'That doesn't matter to a witness.

It is nothing which will in any way compromise you.' 'No--but'-- she drew herself up--'I should blame myself if I made it easier for you to do something you would afterwards regret.' 'What do you mean ?' She summoned all her courage.
'Of course I must know something.

You have not kept your affairs very secret.

I guess that you are angry with your son, with Major Mannering.

If this thing you ask me to sign is to hurt--to injure him--if it is--well, then--I refuse to sign it!' And with a sudden movement she threw both her hands behind her back and clasped them there.
'You refuse ?' 'If you admit my description of that paper.' She motioned towards it as it lay on the writing-table.
'I have no objection whatever to your knowing what it is--as you seem determined to know,' he said sarcastically.