So, Catherine, I ask you again, now that you know everything, are you brave enough to be my wife ?" She raised her eyes, and he saw the horror there.

But he made no sign.
She rose and held out her hand for Sybil.
"Arranmore," she said, "I am afraid." He looked down upon his plate.
"So let it be, then," he said.

"It would need a brave woman indeed to join her lot with mine after the things which I have told you.

At heart, Catherine, I am almost a dead man.

Believe me, you are wise." He rose, and the two women passed from the room.