I am sorry. But I meant exactly what I said. I base my
right to question you upon the fact that I intended asking you to
marry me. You need a protector, if ever woman did. I offer you the
protection of my name."
I sat on the divan and stared at him owlishly. He went striding up
and down the room, pausing every now and then to look down at me.
"When I came to Hyndsville," he went on, "nothing was farther from
my thoughts than the desire to marry _anybody_. I have never
considered myself a marrying man. But I find myself liking you, Miss
Smith, better than I have ever liked any other woman, and for better
reasons. You would make me an excellent wife, the only sort of wife
a man like me could endure. And I think I should make you a good
husband. I am not really so great a bear," he added, hastily, "as
at times I appear to be. I should really try to make you happy. Now
then, what have you to say?"
What could any woman say in such circuit stances? _I_ said nothing,
but slid down on Nicholas Jelnik's divan and howled.
"Didn't I tell you she'd had a bad time and wasn't herself? Now I
hope you're satisfied!" raged Mr. Jelnik.
"It's as much your fault as mine!" snarled The Author.
Pages:
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226