"But you, Mr. Canler, would have been the most surprised.
You had no idea that the venture would succeed. You are too
good a businessman for that. And you are too good a
businessman to loan money for buried treasure seeking, or to
loan money without security--unless you had some special
object in view.
"You knew that without security you had a greater hold on
the honor of the Porters than with it. You knew the one best
way to force me to marry you, without seeming to force me.
"You have never mentioned the loan. In any other man I
should have thought that the prompting of a magnanimous
and noble character. But you are deep, Mr. Robert Canler. I
know you better than you think I know you.
"I shall certainly marry you if there is no other way, but
let us understand each other once and for all."
While she spoke Robert Canler had alternately flushed and
paled, and when she ceased speaking he arose, and with a
cynical smile upon his strong face, said:
"You surprise me, Jane. I thought you had more self-control
--more pride. Of course you are right. I am buying you,
and I knew that you knew it, but I thought you would prefer
to pretend that it was otherwise. I should have thought your
self respect and your Porter pride would have shrunk from
admitting, even to yourself, that you were a bought woman.
But have it your own way, dear girl," he added lightly.
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