As a woman with power over herself, I deny that right; and much as it pains me, my father, to refuse you anything, I say that first I will die.

To Allan here I have given myself for good or for evil, and if I may not marry Allan, I will go to the grave unwed.

If my words hurt you, I pray you to pardon me, but at the same time to remember that they are my words, which cannot be altered." Marais looked at his daughter, and his daughter looked at Marais.

At first I thought that he was about to curse her; but if this were so, something in her eyes seemed to change his mind, for all he said was: "Intractable, like the rest of your race! Well, Fate may lead those who cannot be driven, and this matter I leave in the hands of Fate.

While you are under age--that is, for two years or more--you may not marry without my consent, and have just promised not to do so.