"I cannot stand your presence here!" That last impetuous sentence burst through his armor of constraint, and for the instant he forgot everything but that thoughtless confession.
She read it in his face, and as quickly flung forth her hand in warning, but he only grasped it tightly within his own.
"You cannot stand it!" he cried in passionate eagerness.

"Then you must care for me?
You must love me, Beth ?" "No, no!" Her eyes were full of agony, and she sought to free her imprisoned hand.

"Oh, hush! I beg of you, hush! You--you hurt me so.
I will not permit you to speak such words.

Please release my hand." He loosened his grasp, feeling bewildered, ashamed, dimly conscious that he had been guilty of an ungentlemanly action, yet deep within his own heart assured that he felt no regret.
"Do you mean that ?" he questioned vaguely.
"Yes," and all the previous tremor had left her clear voice.

"I did not suppose you would ever say such a thing to me.