Man and Maid

She twisted her locked hands--the first sign of real emotion I have seen

in her.

"You would marry me--without knowing anything about me? It is very

strange--."

"Yes. I think you are extremely intelligent--if you would consent to

talk to me sometimes. I want to go into Parliament--when I am patched up

and more decent looking, and I believe you would be of the greatest help

to me."

"You mean the whole thing simply as a business arrangement?"

"I have already stated that."

She started to her feet.

"The bargain," I went on, "would be quite a fair one. I am offering to

buy a thing which is not for sale--therefore, I am willing to pay

whatever would tempt the owner to part with it. I am not mixing up any

sentiment in the affair. I want the brain of you for my scheme of life,

and the laws of the quaintly civilized society to which we belong, do

not permit me to hire it--I must buy it outright. I put it to you

net--is there any way we can effect this deal?"

Her lips were quivering--.

"You would say this, no matter what you might hear of my family?"

"I am quite unconcerned as to their history. I have observed you, and

you possess all the qualities which I want in the partner who can help

me to live my new life. For me you are just a personality--" (thus I

lied valiantly!) "not a woman."

"Can I believe you?" she asked a little breathlessly.

"You are thinking of that day when I kissed you--" her lips told me by

their sudden drawing in, that she was agitated.

"Well--I expect really that you know men well enough, Miss Sharp, to

know that they have sudden temptations--but that a strong will can

overcome them. I was very much moved about your grief that afternoon,

and the suppressed emotion, and the exasperation you had caused me,

unbalanced me--I am quite unlikely ever to feel again--if you will marry

me, I will give you my word I will never touch you, or expect anything,

of you except what you agree to give in the bargain. You can lead your

own life--and I can lead mine."

I felt suddenly that these last words were not very wise--for they

aroused in her mind the thought that I should go on having friends like

Suzette. I hastened to add-"You will have my deepest respect, and as my wife shall be treated with

every courtesy and honour."