Stupefaction seized him. He put his hands to his head.
"Why, Sophy! Why, Sophy!" he stammered. Of a sudden he straightened
his shoulders, and stood erect: "Miss Smith," he said, with grave
politeness, "will you do me the honor to marry me?" and he waited.
"It is rather a belated request, Mr. Jelnik. Besides, you haven't
told me why you want to marry me," said I, sedately.
"You are well aware that I love you, Sophy. And I think you care for
me in return. Why did you turn that coin when it meant 'Go,' and bid
me, instead, 'Stay'? Was it because you cared, Sophy?"
"Yes, Mr. Jelnik: it was because I cared. I cared enough to tell
a--a lie. And--I shall say yes to your other question, Mr. Jelnik."
But he shook his head. "Ah, no, my dear! You'd be called upon to
make too many sacrifices. I couldn't bear that!"
"A man needn't be worried about the sacrifices a woman makes for him
when she knows he loves her."
"Not in normal circumstances; not when he can give as much as he
takes."
"Hynds House," I said, "is costing me a steep and bitter price, Mr.
Jelnik!"
"Do I not also pay?" he asked fiercely.
"Oh, you have your pride!" said I, wearily; "Hynds pride!"
"A poor enough possession, Sophy, but all that remains to me," he
said gently.
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