Sónya interrupted him.

“I have already refused,” she said hurriedly.

“If you are refusing for my sake, I am afraid that I⁠ ⁠…”

Sónya again interrupted. She gave him an imploring, frightened look.

“Nicolas, don’t tell me that!” she said.

“No, but I must. It may be arrogant of me, but still it is best to say it. If you refuse him on my account, I must tell you the whole truth. I love you, and I think I love you more than anyone else.⁠ ⁠…”

“That is enough for me,” said Sónya, blushing.