imagine the possibility of it, but a spirit, a fiery spirit which
I have long kept bound up within me, has burst its bonds and has
taken possession of me. It may be a devil or it may be an angel,
but it holds me and rules me, and it was set loose by the words
you have just spoken. It is my love for you, Margaret Raleigh!"
He went on, speaking rapidly. "Now tell me," said he. "I have
often come to you for advice and help--give it to me now. In
laboratory, workshop, office, with you and away from you, abroad
and at home, by day and by night, always and everywhere I have
loved you, longed for a sight of you, for a word from you, even
if it had been a word about a stick or a pin. And always and
everywhere I have determined to be true to myself, true to you,
true to every principle of honor and common-sense, and to say
nothing to you of love until by some success I have achieved the
right to do so. By words which made me fancy that you showed a
personal interest in me, you have banished all those resolutions;
you have--But I am getting madder and madder. Shall I leave this
room? Shall I swear never to speak--"

She looked up at him. The ashiness had gone out of her face.
Her eyes were bright, and as she lifted them towards him a golden
softness and mistiness came into the centre of each of them, as
though he might look down through them into her soul.

"If I were you," said she, "I would stay here and say whatever
else you have to say."

He told her what more he had to say, but it was with his arms
around her and his eyes close to hers.