If she would, so would he, since he loved her as she loved him.

But for all the world, he would not have her throw herself upon her father's mercy and make false promises and sob out denials of her love, out of fear.

Death would be better than that.
"Do as you will with me, since you have the power," she said at last, quite calmly and steadily.
Instantly the old man stopped in his walk, and turned towards her, almost as if he himself were afraid now.

To her amazement she saw that his dark eyes were moist with tears that clung but half shed to the rugged lids and rough lashes.

He did not speak for some moments, while she gazed at him in wonder, for she could not understand.