"Are you--are you being just kind to me, Mr.Ironside, like--like Hugh Chesyl ?" Her voice quivered as she asked the question, but her eyes met his with direct steadfastness.
He lowered his own very suddenly.

"No," he said.

"I wouldn't insult you by being kind.

I shouldn't ask you to marry me if I didn't love you with all my heart and soul." The words came quickly, with something of a burning quality.

She made a slight movement as if she were taken by surprise.
After a moment she spoke.