[Marie by H. Rider Haggard]@TWC D-Link book
Marie

CHAPTER VI
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I only know that we plighted our troth when we thought ourselves about to die, and that we shall keep that troth till death ends it." "Yes, my father," added Marie, leaning forward across the scored yellow-wood table, her chin resting on her hand and her dark, buck-like eyes looking him in the face.

"Yes, my father, that is so, as I have told you already." "And I tell you, Marie, what I have told you already, and you too, Allan, that this thing may not be," answered Marais, hitting the table with his fist.

"I have nothing to say against you, Allan; indeed, I honour you, and you have done me a mighty service, but it may not be." "Why not, mynheer ?" I asked.
"For three reasons, Allan, each of which is final.

You are English, and I do not wish my daughter to marry an Englishman; that is the first.
You are poor, which is no discredit to you, and since I am now ruined my daughter cannot marry a poor man; that is the second.

You live here, and my daughter and I are leaving this country, therefore you cannot marry her; that is the third," and he paused.
"Is there not a fourth," I asked, "which is the real reason?
Namely, that you wish your daughter to marry someone else." "Yes, Allan; since you force me to it, there is a fourth.


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