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Marsh entered the hall with her, so that Waring and Ann were now quite alone.

“I heard you were dining here. Dick Holmes told me. That’s why I came out—I’m leaving for Wellington tomorrow.”

“Yes. So I understand.”

“The Government has made me an offer for Kopu. They may take over the whole place, but I shan’t agree to sell until I’m quite convinced that you’re determined not to marry me.”

“I’ve already told you———”

“And I’ve told you that I haven’t altogether given up hope. I don’t intend to yet. I’ve usually succeeded in getting my own way so far in life.” He leant across and took her hand. “Ann, don’t be foolish. I care for you more than I ever thought I could care for any woman. I’d make you happy—I swear I would. And I can give you a great deal more than most men.”

Ann made an effort to rise, but with one arm round her he held her firmly.

“No, you’ve got to listen to me. You let me kiss you once.”

“I know,” said Ann, distress in her voice, “but that meant nothing.”

“You’re not speaking the truth. It mayn’t have meant as much to you as it meant to me, but it did mean something. You weren’t entirely indifferent.”

“For that one moment—no.”

“There were other moments, The first night you danced with me. Isn’t that so?”

“Yes. Oh, it’s a horrible thing to say, but don’t you understand my feeling for you was no more than the feeling of any woman for any man.”