"But let that pass now, since it has no weight with you.

I quite realize that I shall not persuade you to marry me for your own sake or for mine.

But--I think you may be induced to consider the matter for the sake of--your friend." "In what way ?" Breathlessly she asked the Question.

for again it was as if a warning voice spoke within her, bidding her to go warily.
He paused a moment.

Then: "Has it never struck you that there is something rather--peculiar--about her ?" he asked suavely.
She brought her eyes back to his in sharp apprehension.