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 , Stephen -- 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 ! DO you , Stephen ? '' I had to look her in the eyes , since nothing else would do her ; and , as I did so , all the might of manhood in me rose up in hot revolt against the lie I would have told her . That unfaltering , impelling gaze of hers drew the truth from my lips in spite of myself . `` No , I do n't wish you to marry Frank Douglas , a thousand times no ! '' I said passionately . `` I do n't wish you to marry any man on earth but myself . I love you -- I love you , Betty . You are dearer to me than life -- dearer to me than my own happiness .
It was your happiness I thought XXXXX -- and so I asked you to marry Frank because I believed he would make you a happy woman .
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