at you. And you can spare yourself the effort of convincing me
that you're sincere.'' He was frankly laughing at her now.
``You don't understand the situation--not at all. You fancy that
I am hanging back because I am overwhelmed or shy or timid. I
assure you I've never been shy or timid about anything I wanted.
If I wanted you-- I'd--TAKE you.''

She caught her breath and shrank. Looking at him as he said
that, calmly and confidently, she, for the first time, was in
love--and was afraid. Back to her came Selma's warnings: ``One
may not trifle with love. A woman conquers only by surrender.''

``But, as I said to you a while ago,'' he went on, ``I don't want
you--or any woman. I've no time for marriage-- no time for a
flirtation. And though you tempt me strongly, I like you too
well to--to treat you as you invite.''

Jane sat motionless, stunned by the sudden turning of the tables.

She who had come to conquer--to amuse herself, to evoke a strong,
hopeless passion that would give her a delightful sense of warmth
as she stood safely by its bright flames--she had been conquered.

She belonged to this man; all he had to do was to claim her.

In a low voice, sweet and sincere beyond any that had ever come
from her lips before, she said:

``Anything, Victor--anything--but don't send me away.''