For a fleeting second Marian closed her eyes and the slender hands , lying among the laces in her lap , clasped each other convulsively . Then she said quietly , `` Sometimes I have thought , Esterbrook , that it might be better -- if we were never married at all . '' Esterbrook turned a startled face upon her . `` Not married at all ! Marian , what do you mean ? '' `` Just what I say . I do not think we are as well suited to each other after all as we have fancied . We have loved each other as brother and sister might -- that is all . I think it will be best to be brother and sister forever -- nothing more . '' Esterbrook sprang to his feet . `` Marian , do you know what you are saying ? You surely can not have heard -- no one could have told you -- '' `` I have heard nothing , '' she interrupted hurriedly . `` No one has told me anything . I have only said what I have been thinking of late . I am sure we have made a mistake . It is not too late to remedy it . You will not refuse my request , Esterbrook ? You will set me free ? '' `` Good heavens , Marian ! '' he said hoarsely .
`` I can not realize XXXXX you are in earnest .
For after among as at if in that to upon