Say that I may ask you once
more, and that then if you love me you will marry me."
Beatrice thought for a moment. Such a promise could do her no harm, and
in the course of six months or a year he might get used to the idea of
living without her. Also it would prevent a scene. It was weak of her,
but she dreaded the idea of her having refused Owen Davies coming to her
father's ears.
"If you wish it, Mr. Davies," she said, "so be it. Only I ask you to
understand this, I am in no way tied to you. I give you no hope that my
answer, should you renew this offer a year hence or at any other time,
will differ from that I give you to-day. I do not think there is the
slightest probability of such a thing. Also, it must be understood that
you are not to speak to my father about this matter, or to trouble me in
any way. Do you consent?"
"Yes," he answered, "I consent. You have me at your mercy."
"Very well. And now, Mr. Davies, good-bye. No, do not walk back with me.
I had rather go by myself. But I want to say this: I am very sorry
for what has happened. I have not wished it to happen.
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