She could not see how all the
complications concerning the elementary canons of faith and
conduct could arise. She appreciated Randall's intellectual gifts;
his power of weaving magical words into rhyme fascinated her; she
was childlike in her wonder at his command of the printed page;
when he revealed to her the beauty of things, as the rogue had a
pretty knack of doing, her nature thrilled responsive. He gave her
a thousand glimpses into a new world, and she loved him for it.
But when he talked lightly of sacred matters, such as God and
Duty, he ran daggers into her heart. She almost hated him.
He had to expend much eloquence and persuasion to induce her to
listen to him. He had no wish to break any of the Commandments,
especially the Third. He professed penitence. But didn't she see
that her treatment of him was driving him into a desperate
unbelief in God and man? When a woman accepted a man's love she
accepted many responsibilities.
Phyllis stonily denied acceptance.
"I've refused it. You've asked me to marry you and I told you I
wouldn't. And I won't."
"You're mixing up two things," he said, with a smile. "Love and
marriage. Many people love and don't marry, just as many marry and
don't love.
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