"Do you believe that she would be worthy of your love and respect even though she did back out of this arrangement?
I want an honest answer." "God help me, I--I don't know what to think," cried Braden miserably.

"I am shocked, bewildered.

I can't say what I believe, grandfather.

I only know that I have loved her better than my own soul.

I don't know what to think now." "You might also say that she loves herself better than she loves her own soul," said the old man grimly.