she has for a man she merely likes, and the feeling she has for a
man she loves."

Jefferson bent eagerly forward so as to lose no word that might
fall from those coveted lips.

"In what category would I be placed?" he asked.

"I don't quite know," she answered, laughingly. Then seriously,
she added: "Jeff, why should we act like children? Your actions,
more than your words, have told me that you love me. I have known
it all along. If I have appeared cold and indifferent it is
because"--she hesitated.

"Because?" echoed Jefferson anxiously, as if his whole future
depended on that reason.

"Because I was not sure of myself. Would it be womanly or
honourable on my part to encourage you, unless I felt I
reciprocated your feelings? You are young, one day you will be
very rich, the whole world lies before you. There are plenty of
women who would willingly give you their love."

"No--no!" he burst out in vigorous protest, "it is you I want,
Shirley, you alone."

Grasping her hand more closely, he went on, passion vibrating in
every note of his voice. "I love you, Shirley. I've loved you from
the very first evening I met you. I want you to be my wife."