I thought there might be some mistake,
and that's partly why I came."
"If you wish me to repeat it by word of mouth, that's soon done.
There's no mistake whatever."
"I saw that as soon as I came into the room."
"What good would it do you that I shouldn't marry?" she asked with a
certain fierceness.
"I should like it better than this."
"You're very selfish, as I said before."
"I know that. I'm selfish as iron."
"Even iron sometimes melts! If you'll be reasonable I'll see you
again."
"Don't you call me reasonable now?"
"I don't know what to say to you," she answered with sudden
humility.
"I shan't trouble you for a long time," the young man went on. He
made a step towards the door, but he stopped. "Another reason why I
came was that I wanted to hear what you would say in explanation of
your having changed your mind."
Her humbleness as suddenly deserted her. "In explanation? Do you
think I'm bound to explain?"
He gave her one of his long dumb looks. "You were very positive. I
did believe it."
"So did I. Do you think I could explain if I would?"
"No, I suppose not. Well," he added, "I've done what I wished.
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