Micky laughed shakily; he had recovered himself a little now.
"It's everything to me," he said rather hoarsely. "You must know that it is. Esther, will you marry me?"
If only premeditated proposals were made, there would be few marriages in the world. Ten minutes ago, when Micky Mellowes walked into the room, he had no intention of asking Esther to marry him, but now it seemed as if he had come for that express purpose as he stood there, grimly obstinate.
There was a moment of silence; then Esther drew herself up.
"I think you must be mad," she said. "I've only seen you once or twice in my life. I have told you that I am already engaged."
"I know, but it makes no difference," said Micky. "I ask you to marry me--will you marry me?"
Micky laughed. "You've said that two or three times already, but I assure you that I'm quite sane. I loved you the first moment I ever saw you, but, of course, you won't believe it. However, that doesn't matter--you haven't answered my question. Will you marry me?"
"You know I am engaged--how dare you?..." She backed away from him till she was close to the door. Micky laughed savagely.
"You needn't be afraid--I'm not going to hurt you--I'm not going to move from this hearthrug, but I should like you to answer my question. Once again, will you marry me?"
He forgot his promise and took a step towards her.
"I can make you happier than any other man possibly could. I've never cared for a woman in my life till I met you...."
"I wouldn't marry you if you were the only man in the world--I--I don't even like you...." Her voice shook with anger now. "My answer is no--no--no! I shall never change my mind if I live to be a hundred ..." she added vehemently. The words seemed forced from her by something in his eyes.
"You will," said Micky calmly, though he felt anything but calm. "Women always do; but if you don't feel like changing it just at this moment, will you please tell June I am here? I came to see her, and I'm tired of waiting...." He turned away and went back to his seat on the arm of the big chair as if nothing had happened, but his hand shook when he tried to light a cigarette.
When June came back he was absently turning the pages of a magazine; she looked at him for a moment, then began to laugh.