Frank is a splendid young fellow , who loves you with all his heart . Marry him , Betty . Mind , I do n't COMMAND . I have no right to do that , and you are too old to be ordered about , if I had . But I wish and advise it . Is n't that enough , Betty ? '' I had been looking away from her all the time I was talking , gazing determinedly down a sunlit vista of pines . Every word I said seemed to tear my heart , and come from my lips stained with life-blood . Yes , Betty should marry Frank ! But , good God , what would become of me ! Betty left her station under the pine tree , and walked around me until she got right in front of my face . I could n't help looking at her , for if I moved my eyes she moved too . There was nothing meek or submissive about her ; her head was held high , her eyes were blazing , and her cheeks were crimson . But her words were meek enough . `` I will marry Frank if you wish it , Stephen , '' she said . `` You are my friend . I have never crossed your wishes , and , as you say , I have never regretted being guided by them . I will do exactly as you wish in this case also , I promise you that . But , in so solemn a question , I must be very certain what you DO wish . There must be no doubt in my mind or heart .
Look me squarely in the eyes , XXXXX -- as you have n't done once to-day , no , nor once since I came home from school -- and , so looking , tell me that you wish me to marry Frank Douglas and I will do it !
Betty Frank God Stephen case heart left life-blood right wish