I grasped her rudely by the arm and said:-- "Listen till I have finished." "I will not," she answered viciously.

"Do not touch me." I still held her by the arm and said: "I do not wish to marry you.

I spoke only because your father desired me to do so, and because my refusal to speak would have offended him beyond any power of mine to make amends.

I could not tell you that I did not wish you for my wife until you had given me an opportunity.

I was forced to throw the burden of refusal upon you." "That is but a ruse--a transparent, flimsy ruse," responded the stubborn, angry girl, endeavoring to draw her arm from my grasp.
"It is not a ruse," I answered.