His question, kindly put, did not affront her, for it had been expected.

But his actual presence, the meaning of his words, stirred in her an unutterable spirit of protest.

She had already in her will consented to the demand of the old man; she was learning now, however, that she could not force her flesh to consent to a surrender it did not desire.
"Yes, I'm willing," she replied, bravely.
"Soon ?" he flashed, with an eager difference in his voice.
"If I had my way it'd not be--too soon," she faltered.

Her downcast eyes had seen the stride he had made closer to her, and she wanted to run.
"Why?
Dad thinks it'd be good for me," went on Belllounds, now, with strong, self-centered thought.

"It'd give me responsibility.