And as for you, no man will ever
be your friend, as you think of that word. I'm your friend to this
extent, that you've given me back my interest in the world. I used to
want to get out of it all, but I don't now, because you're in it.
Anyhow, I don't want to go if you'll let me be of use to you--if you'll
let me love you. Is it possible, dear, that you could think of marrying
me--just in a friendly sort of way, you know, to have a protector, a man
to look after you, and worship you, without any return except a little
sympathy and kindness?"
Not once had Mary looked up at him, after the first fluttering glance of
surprise when he began. Even when Hannaford stopped, and waited, she
still kept her eyes on the water; but he saw that her hand trembled on
the balustrade, and that a little pulse beat in her throat.
"I never thought!" she quavered, miserably.
"I know that, very well. I wouldn't believe most women who made such an
excuse, after being as kind to me as you have been--a man like me! I
should have thought you knew, and that you were playing, as the boys
play with the frogs. But I realized from the first that you weren't
going to 'think,' unless I put thoughts into your head. I wouldn't ask
such a thing of you if you were happy, but you're not happy. I don't
believe you know what to do with your future. You're not interested in
things, as you were when you first came--except in the Casino, and that
can't go on forever. The sort of thing you're doing now eats a woman's
soul away.
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