Holmes."
"But I do. Come, my dear. In this life there must be always a
certain amount of give and take. I'm not the man to drive a one-
sided bargain. I'll make you a fair offer--as between father and
daughter. I'll wipe out all that's past. In leaving me like this,
when misfortune has come upon me, you've been guilty of unfilial
conduct--no one can deny it But I'll overlook everything, forgive
you fully and take you to my heart again and leave you free to do
whatever you like without interfering with your opinions, if
you'll promise me one thing--"
"I know what you're going to say." She twisted round on him
swiftly. "I 'll promise at once. I'll never marry Mr. Holmes. I've
already told him I won't marry him."
Surprise relaxed his grip. She took swift advantage and sheered
away to the other side of the table. He rose and brought down his
hand with a thump.
"You refused him? Why, you silly little baggage, my condition is
that you should marry him. You're sweet on him aren't you?"
"I detest him," cried Phyllis. "Why should I marry him?"
Her eyes, young and pure, divined some sordid horror behind eyes
crafty and ignoble. Once before she had had such a fleeting,
uncomprehended vision into the murky depths of the man's soul.
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