"Quite so," interrupted my companion, again laying his hand upon my shoulder; "you need say no more; I think I understand.  Since you feel that you really must go I will not make any further effort to tempt you, but, on the contrary, will do everything I possibly can to assist your wishes.  I will ask you, however, my dear young friend, not to make any reference to this conversation in the presence of Dona Inez; for I am convinced that if she were to become aware that I had actually made this proposal to you, and that you had felt yourself bound to reject it, she would be profoundly disappointed."