"Elfrida," he cried miserably, "let us have an end of this! I have no right to intrude my opinions--if you like, my prejudices--between you and what you are doing.

But I have come to beg you to give me the right." He came a step closer and laid his free hand lightly on her shoulder.

"Elfrida," he said unhesitatingly, "I want you to be my wife." "And Janet's stepmother!" thought the girl swiftly.

But she hoped he would not mention Janet; it would burlesque the situation.
"Your going away made me quite sure," he added simply.
"I can never do without you altogether again.

Instead I want to possess you altogether." He bent his fine face to the level of hers, and took both her hands in his.
Elfrida thought that by that light he looked strangely young.
She slipped her hands away, but did not move, He was still very close to her--she could feel his breath upon her hair.
"Oh no!" she said.