"Why, John," I said with my most pleased expression, "back from the West
so soon? You've heard the news, I suppose--my cousins sailed this
morning."
He had turned from the window at the rustle of my dress, and the grimness
of his square-set jaws, warning me of a coming struggle, relaxed into a
look of perplexity. Men have so little insight; he could not see that, as
I sank, still smiling, into a chair, my breath came in gasps that almost
choked me. After a moment's silence he said sharply:--
"Helen, we must be married."
"Married! Didn't you get my letter? John--"
"Listen!" he interrupted. "I must have the right to take care of you. You
need me."
"Indeed?"
My tone was purposed insolence; I met his look with bravado. I hated him
because he--because I--because he dared to know--because he offered to
come to my relief when my aunt--Ned--perhaps he thought me deserted--
lovelorn. His awkward figure woke in me a sudden physical repulsion.
"_I_ need _you_?" I repeated with a cool laugh. "And except the
good deed of providing me with a husband, what services do you propose
to--"
"Nelly," he said, disregarding my taunts, "I have just come from the
_Orinoco_.
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