Graydon tried to convince him that Jane had not come to gloat but to ask a favour of him.
"A favour, eh? She expects me to tell all I know about her, eh? That's good!" laughed Bansemer.
"Father, she has done you no wrong. Why are you so bitter against her? It's not right—it's not like you."
Bansemer looked steadily at him for a full minute.
"Is she going to marry you, Graydon?"
"She refuses, absolutely."
"Then, she's better than I thought. Perhaps I'm wrong in hating her as I do. It's because she took you away from me. Give me time, Graydon. Some day I may tell you all I know. Don't urge me now; I can't do it now. I don't want to see her again. Don't think I'm a fool about it, boy, and don't speak of it again. Give me time."
"She is the gentlest woman in the world."
"You love her?"
"Better than my life."