"The time will perhaps come when you will so think, but for the sake of
all that we most value, let it come before it is too late. What would
be our fate--how terrible would be our misery--if such a thought should
come to either of us after we have linked our lots together."

There was a solemnity about her as she thus spoke which almost
repressed him,--which for a time did prevent him from taking that tone
of authority which on such a subject he would choose to adopt. But he
recovered himself. "I hardly think that this comes well from you," he
said.

"From whom else should it come? Who else can fight my battle for me;
and, John, who else can fight that same battle on your behalf? I tell
you this, that with your mind standing towards me as it does stand at
present, you could not give me your hand at the altar with true words
and a happy conscience. Am I not true? You have half repented of your
bargain already. Is it not so?"

He did not answer her; but getting up from his seat walked to the front
of the summer-house, and stood there with his back turned upon her. It
was not that he meant to be ungracious, but in truth he did not know
how to answer her. He had half repented of his bargain.

"John," she said, getting up and following him, so that she could put
her hand upon his arm, "I have been very angry with you."

"Angry with me!" he said, turning sharp upon her.

"Yes, angry with you. You would have treated me like a child. But