'It is not too late.

If you choose to remain, well and good.

I cannot help it.

If, on the other hand, you decide to trust yourself to me, I swear, on the honour of a gentleman, to be worthy of the trust--to serve you truly and protect you to the last! I can say no more.' She trembled, looking from me to the door, on which some one had just begun to knock loudly.

That seemed to decide her.