'What do you mean, St. Ives?
What is this about? It's like a dream, I declare! You made an
offer, and I have refused it. I don't like it, I don't want it;
and whatever I did, or didn't, wouldn't matter--my aunt wouldn't
bear of it anyway! Can't you take your answer, man?'
'You must remember, Ronald, that we are playing with edged tools,'
said I. 'An offer of marriage is a delicate subject to handle.
You have refused, and you have justified your refusal by several
statements: first, that I was an impostor; second, that our
countries were at war; and third-- No, I will speak,' said I; 'you
can answer when I have done,--and third, that I had dishonourably
killed--or was said to have done so--the man Goguelat. Now, my
dear fellow, these are very awkward grounds to be taking. From any
one else's lips I need scarce tell you how I should resent them;
but my hands are tied. I have so much gratitude to you, without
talking of the love I bear your sister, that you insult me, when
you do so, under the cover of a complete impunity. I must feel the
pain--and I do feel it acutely--I can do nothing to protect
myself.' He had been anxious enough to interrupt me in the
beginning; but now, and after I had ceased, he stood a long while
silent.
'St. Ives,' he said at last, 'I think I had better go away.
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