"Father, he told me first because he loves me, and because I love him."

He sat up. This was speaking outright what she had only hinted at
before. She must have been gathering her resolution to say this, while
she had been gone. Perhaps she had been with her mother. In that case he
must be cautious....

"You mean--"

"I mean just what I say. We love one another, and I am willing to be his
wife if he desires it--and with your permission. But--"

He waited for her to go on.

"Another 'But'!" he said presently, though with increasing mildness.

"I do not think he will desire it after a while. And ... and I do not
know what I wish. I am torn in two."

"But you are willing?"

"I pray for it every night," she cried piteously. "And every morning I
pray that it may not be so."

She was staring at him as if in agony, utterly unlike what he had looked
for in her. He was completely bewildered.

"I do not understand one word--"