The man’s dark face actually grew white, his surprise at this request leaving him gasping for breath, as he stared at her.

“Why, good God, girl, do you realize what you are saying?” he exclaimed, all self-control gone.  “Why, we are ready now; Bradshaw just arrived and every arrangement has been made for our journey.  It cannot be postponed.”

“Oh, yes, indeed, it can,” and she rose, facing him.  “Surely you would not force me against my will, Captain Le Gaire?  I do not desire to rebel, to absolutely refuse, but I hope you will listen to me, and then act the part of a gentleman.  I presume you desire me for your wife, not your slave.”

I thought he had lost his voice he was so long in answering; then the tones were hoarse, indistinct.

“Listen!  Yes!  I want you to explain; only don’t expect too much from me.”

She looked directly at him, her cheeks flushing to the insolence of his accent.

“I am hardly likely to err in that way any more,” rather coldly, “but I do owe you an explanation.  I have done wrong to permit this affair to go so far without protest, but I did not comprehend my own feelings clearly until to-night.  I merely drifted without realizing the danger, and now the shock of discovery leaves me almost helpless.  I realize distinctly only one thing—­I can not, I will not, marry you.

“Do these words seem cruel, unjust?” she went on, strangely calm.  “Perhaps they are, yet it is surely better for me to speak them now than to wreck both our lives by remaining silent longer.  You came to me a year ago, Captain Le Gaire, at a time when I was particularly lonely, and susceptible to kindness.  You were an officer in the army, fighting for a cause I loved, and your friendly attentions were very welcome.  My father liked you, and we were constantly thrown together.  I have lived rather a secluded life, here on this plantation since my school days, meeting few men of my own station, and still young enough to be romantic.  I thought I loved you, and perhaps the feeling I cherished might have truly become love had you always remained the same considerate gentleman I first believed you to be.  Instead, little by little, I have been driven away, hurt by your coarseness, your lack of chivalry, until now, when it comes to the supreme test, I find my soul in revolt.  Am I altogether to blame?”

I do not think he comprehended, grasped the truth she sought to convey, for he broke forth angrily: 

“Very pretty, indeed!  And do you think I will ever stand for it?  Why, I should be the laughing stock of the army, a butt for every brainless joker in the camp.  I am not such a fool, my girl.”  He stepped forward, grasping her hands, and holding them in spite of her slight effort to break away.  “I am a frank-spoken man, yes, but I have never failed to treat you with respect.”

“You may call it that, but you have repeatedly sworn in my presence, have ordered me harshly about, have even arranged this affair without first consulting me.  If this be your manner before marriage, what brand of brutality could I expect after?”