Now all is changed.

I shall accept my step-father's offer, and all its results becoming, if it can't be helped, a mere man of business.

I do this because of my sacred duties to _you_.

As an artist, there's no telling how long it might be before I could ask you again to be my wife; as a man of business, I may soon be in a position to do so.
Don't interrupt me, I entreat! It is no matter to me if you repulse me now, in your anger.

I consider the engagement as still existing between us, and, such being the ease, it is plainly my duty to take such steps as will enable me to offer you a home.