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Page 125
"I hope it will not," Sybelle replied, not responding to his laughter. "I hope we will find that we agree or that if we do not, our differences can be reconciledoutside of a bedwithout leaving any bitterness between us. But . . . you must know that . . . that if I . . . if I feel the marriage would prove unhappy I . . . I will withdraw. This is why I said it might be unfair, not only a waste of your time when you are looking for a wife but perhaps . . . perhaps it will leave you open to . . . to jests. . . ."
Oh, the dear little bird, Walter thought. How can she be so innocent, so honest? Does she not realize that any man faced with such a proposition would be smooth as goose grease until she agreed and the contract was signed? Sybelle's eyes were clear as golden glass, open and trusting. Walter lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. He resolved that he would not take advantage of her guileless heart. He would behave as honestly as he could. Except . . .
"There is one thing, Sybelle," he said. "Do you mean that we are to behave as betrothed only for matters of business? That would not be a fair test of how our life will be. And I do not think I could . . . er . . . refrain from displaying marks of my affection when we talk over our affairs in private."
"Oh." Sybelle blushed. "I will not couple with you," she said frankly. "At least, not until contract is made. . . ."
"Nor until we are well and truly married by a priest," Walter said firmly, somewhat shocked. "I never meant any such thing."
"Well, then, I suppose you must act in every way as you would if we were betrothed," Sybelle murmured, her blush hotter than ever. "And I must accept or deny as is my honest feeling, also."
"I am content," Walter agreed. Then, as she began to take her hand out of his, he said gravely, "A betrothed couple may hold hands." And when her hand relaxed in his, he continued, "Only I must point out one thing more, my love. If we were betrothed, it would be your duty to accept my wooing; it would be wrong for you to deny me. A kindly father, having made contract for his daughter, a provides a period of betrothal so that the girl may be weaned from too-great modesty by courtship. But if, out of modesty, she constantly rejects her suitor's attempts to teach her love, then

 
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