I'm not so selfish as to take you at your word." I was sitting on the cushioned bench by the wall, and she was in a chair facing me, within easy reach, so I caught her wrists and drew her to me, whispering:-- "Sit here, Bettina, by my side, and tell me why it cannot be, for I pledge you my honor I am not to be denied." She resisted for a moment, but at last sat down beside me, and I put my arm about her, despite her fluttering struggle.

"Now, tell me why, Bettina.

I need not tell you that you have my love.

You know it without the telling." She nodded her head "Yes," and covered her face with her hands.
"And am I wrong in believing that I possess your love ?" I asked.
She shook her head to indicate that I was not wrong, and the little gesture was as good as an oath to me.

After her confession, she would not dare to resist me, nor did she, save to say pleadingly:-- "Please, Baron Ned, it cannot be." Tears were trickling down her cheeks, and I could see that she was in great trouble.
"I do not ask you to come to me now," I said, "but you may take a long time, if you wish--a day, or two, or even three, if you insist.