I am in earnest." She flinched at last from the gaze of those merciless eyes.
"You ask the impossible," she said.
"Then it is all the simpler for you to refuse," he rejoined.
Her eyes were upon the hand that held her.

Did he know that its grasp had almost become a grip?
It was by that, and that alone, that she was made aware of something human--or was it something bestial--behind that legal mask?
Suddenly she straightened herself and faced him.

It cost her all the strength she had.
"Mr.Field," she said, and though her voice shook she spoke with resolution, "if I were to consent to this--extraordinary suggestion; if I married you--you would not ask--or expect--more than that ?" "If you consent to marry me," he said, "it will be without conditions." "Then I cannot consent," she said.

"Please let me go!" He released her instantly, and, turning, picked up her cloak.
But she moved away to the window and stood there with her back to him, gazing down upon the quiet river.

Its pearly stillness was like a dream.
The rush and roar of London's many wheels had died to a monotone.
The man waited behind her in silence.