The other still lay in his.
"Don't, John," she moaned, in a half-piteous tone.

"Don't! Don't talk so! I can only bear comforting words to-day.

I am too wretched--too utterly broken and miserable.

Please! please, John!" He dropped her hand and leaning forward put both of his own to his head.

He knew how strong was her will and how futile would be his efforts to change her mind unless her conscience agreed.
"I won't," he answered, as a strong man answers who is baffled.