"Look here, Marian," he protested. "You can't mean it. Why, it's all
settled that we are to marry. It would be madness for you to break it off.
I can give you everything--everything. And he can't give you anything."
Then with fatal tactlessness: "He won't even give you the little that he
can, according to your own story."
"Yes, it's madness, isn't it, Teddy, to refuse you--fascinating you, who
can give everything. But that's just it. You have too much. You overwhelm
me. I should feel like a cheat, taking so much and giving so little."
"Don't," he begged, his self-complacence and superiority all gone. "Don't
mind my blundering, please, dear. I want you. I can't say it. I haven't any
gift of words. But you've known me all my life and you know that I love
you. I've set my heart on it, Mary Ann,"--it was the name he used to tease
her with when they were children playing together--"You won't go back on me
now, will you?"
"I wish I could do as you wish, Teddy." Marian was forgetful of everything
but the unhappiness she was causing this friend of so many, many years and
of so many, many memories. "But I can't--I can't."
"Marry me, dear, anyhow. You will care afterward." Marian was silent and
Danvers hoped. "You know all about me. I'll not give you any surprises.
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