At this juncture the other couple slowly left the room, having arranged their own affairs to their satisfaction.
"That being the case," he said, "and now that I am assured that I have no rivals to dread, will you permit me to offer you my heart and my hand?
Countess Margaret, will you marry me, and make me the happiest of men?
Oh, do not be silent, do not look as if you did not hear! I have loved you since I first saw you--will you, will you marry me ?" Here Mr.
Barker, who was really as much in love as his nature allowed him to be, moved to the very edge of his chair and tried to take her hand.
"Margaret!" he said, as he touched her fingers.
At the touch she recovered her self-possession, too long lost for such a case.

She had tried to control her anger, had tried to remember whether by any word she could have encouraged him to so much boldness.

Now she rose to all her haughty height, and though she tried hard to control herself, there was scorn in her voice.
"Mr.Barker," she said, dropping her hands before her and standing straight as a statue, "you have made a mistake, and if through any carelessness I have led you into this error I am sorry for it.

I cannot listen to you, I cannot marry you.

As for Dr.Claudius, I will not permit you to use any slighting words about him.