You could turn
cannibal for all I could interfere in the matter. But on Berande, you
would be my partner, and then I would be responsible. And of course I
couldn't permit you, as my partner, to be skipper of a recruiter. I tell
you, the thing is what I would not permit any sister or wife of mine--"
"But I'm not going to be your wife, thank goodness--only your partner."
"Besides, it's all ridiculous," he held on steadily. "Think of the
situation. A man and a woman, both young, partners on an isolated
plantation. Why, the only practical way out would be that I'd have to
marry you--"
"Mine was a business proposition, not a marriage proposal," she
interrupted, coldly angry. "I wonder if somewhere in this world there is
one man who could accept me for a comrade."
"But you are a woman just the same," he began, "and there are certain
conventions, certain decencies--"
She sprang up and stamped her foot.
"Do you know what I'd like to say?" she demanded.
"Yes," he smiled, "you'd like to say, 'Damn petticoats!'"
She nodded her head ruefully.
"That's what I wanted to say, but it sounds different on your lips. It
sounds as though you meant it yourself, and that you meant it because of
me."
"Well, I am going to bed. But do, please, think over my proposition, and
let me know in the morning.
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