"Answer me once more," she said.

"Bibbs, do you know now why I stopped wearing my furs ?" "Yes." "I thought so! Your sister-in-law told you, didn't she ?" "I--I heard her say--" "I think I know what happened, now." Mary's breath came fast and her voice shook, but she spoke rapidly.

"You 'heard her say' more than that.
You 'heard her say' that we were bitterly poor, and on that account I tried first to marry your brother--and then--" But now she faltered, and it was only after a convulsive effort that she was able to go on.

"And then--that I tried to marry--you! You 'heard her say' that--and you believe that I don't care for you and that 'no girl' could care for you--but you think I am in such an 'extremity,' as Sibyl was--that you-- And so, not wanting me, and believing that I could not want you--except for my 'extremity'-- you took your father's offer and then came to ask me--to marry you! What had I shown you of myself that could make you--" Suddenly she sank down, kneeling, with her face buried in her arms upon the lap of a chair, tears overwhelming her.
"Mary, Mary!" he cried, helplessly.

"Oh NO--you--you don't understand." "I do, though!" she sobbed.