"I have. Of course, you can speak of me as you please and think of me as you please. I can hardly defend myself."
"Hardly, I think."
"But, with whatever result, I know that I shall now be acting for the best in declaring that I will not become--your husband."
"You will not?" She was still standing, and stretched out her right hand as though again to grasp something.
He also now rose from his chair. "If I speak with abruptness it is only to avoid a show of indecision. I will not."

Of course, I can hardly defend myself."
"Hardly."
"But I know that I shall now be acting for the best in declaring that I will not become your husband."
"You will not?" She was still standing, and stretched out her right hand as though to grasp something.
He also rose. "I will not."
