and considering. As he bent toward her she evaded him and rose.

"Don't, Crawford! Please!" she said again. "You mustn't say such things
to me. It isn't right that you should."

He looked puzzled. "Why not?" he asked. "At any rate, right or wrong, I
must say them, Mary. I've been holding them in for months and now I've
just got to say them. I love you and I want to marry you. May I?"

"Oh, no, Crawford! No! It is impossible."

"Impossible! Why? Is it--is it because you don't care for me? Don't you,
Mary?"

She did not answer.

"Don't you?" he repeated. "Look at me! Can't you care, Mary?"

She was silent. But when he took a step toward her she raised her hands
in protest.

"Please don't!" she pleaded. "No, you mustn't--we mustn't think--Oh, no,
it is impossible!"

"It isn't impossible. If you love me as I do you it is the only possible
thing in the world. Listen, dear--"

"Hush! I mustn't listen. Be sensible, Crawford! think! We are both so
young. You are only beginning your studies. It will be years before you
can--before you should consider marrying."