You overlooked my love.

Count upon that, my Ruth, and Richard shall have naught to fear.
Count upon that, and when we meet this evening, Richard and I, it is I who will tender the apology, I who will admit that I was wrong to introduce your name into that company last night, and that what Richard did was a just and well-deserved punishment upon me.

This will I do if you'll but count upon my love." She looked up at him fearfully, yet with flutterings of hope.

"What is't you mean ?" she asked him faintly.
"That if you'll promise to be my wife..." "Your wife!" she interrupted him.

She struggled to free herself, released one arm and struck him in the face.