But I could not accept what you would
offer me from any woman who was not my wife--and I could not marry
any woman that did not love me. I am perhaps past the age when I could
inspire a young girl's affection; but I have not reached the age when I
would accept anything less." He stopped abruptly. Grace did not look
up. There was a tear glistening upon her long eyelashes, albeit a faint
smile played upon her lips.
"Do you call this business, Mr. Rushbrook?" she said softly.
"Business?"
"To assume a proposal declined before it has been offered."
"Grace--my darling--tell me--is it possible?"
It was too late for her to rise now, as his hands held both hers, and
his handsome mouth was smiling level with her own. So it really seemed
to a dispassionate spectator that it WAS possible, and before she had
left the room, it even appeared to be the most probable thing in the
world.
*****
The union of Grace Nevil and Robert Rushbrook was recorded by local
history as the crown to his victory over the Ring.
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