The arms tightened more on her.

“I knew you did, my sweet — and I will marry him. You're fond of him, aren't you?”

“I've been awfully fond of him — ever since I was a child.”

“I know — I know. I can see what you like in him. He is a man by himself, he has something apart from the rest.”

“Yes,” said Ursula.

“But he's not like you, my dear — ha, he's not as good as you. There's something even objectionable in him — his thick thighs — ”

Ursula was silent.

“But I'll marry him, my dear — it will be best. Now say you love me.”