He was plainly terrified by the threat, nevertheless he had the
assurance to put himself between her and the door.

"You have no cause to be angry with me," he said. "You know I do not
disrespect you!" He was silent for a moment. His voice broke huskily.
"You are wonderful to me! I have to keep telling myself you are only a
woman--of flesh and blood like myself--else I would be groveling on the
floor at your feet, and you would despise me!"

Colina stared at him in haughty silence.

"I love you!" he whispered with odd abruptness. "No woman need be
insulted by hearing that. You came upon me to-day like a bolt of
lightning. You have put your mark on me for life! I will never be
myself again."

His voice changed; he faltered, and searched for words. "I know I'm
rough! I know women like to be courted regularly. It's right, too!
But I have no time! I may never see you alone again. Your father will
take care of that! I must tell you while I can. You can take your
time to answer."

Colina contrived to laugh.

The sound maddened him. He took a step forward, and a vein in his
forehead stood out. She held her ground disdainfully.

"Don't do that!" he whispered. "It's not fair! I--I can't stand it!"

"Why must you tell me?" asked Colina. "What do you expect?"