I don't want to marry you exactly: and yet I cannot bring myself to say I permanently reject you, because I remember you are Charlotte's brother, and do not wish to be the cause of any morbid feelings in you which would ruin your future prospects.' 'My dear life, what is it you doubt in me?
Your earnestness not to do me harm makes it all the harder for me to think of never being more than a friend.' 'Well, I have not positively refused!' she exclaimed, in mixed tones of pity and distress.

'Let me think it over a little while.

It is not generous to urge so strongly before I can collect my thoughts, and at this midnight time!' 'Darling, forgive it!--There, I'll say no more.' He then offered to sit up in her place for the remainder of the night; but Paula declined, assuring him that she meant to stay only another half-hour, after which nobody would be necessary.
He had already crossed the landing to ascend to his room, when she stepped after him, and asked if he had received his telegram.
'No,' said De Stancy.

'Nor have I heard of one.' Paula explained that it was put in his room, that he might see it the moment he came in.
'It matters very little,' he replied, 'since I shall see it now.
Good-night, dearest: good-night!' he added tenderly.
She gravely shook her head.

'It is not for you to express yourself like that,' she answered.