"I shall walk with a cane almost in no time. And when I can walk, I
shall have to go away."

"Yes." There was no hesitation in her prompt agreement. Neither did
she add any polite regrets. The professor felt unduly irritated. He
had never become used to her ungirlish taciturnity. It always
excited him. The women he had known, especially the younger women,
had all been chatterers. They had talked and he had not listened.
This girl said little and her silences seemed to clamour in his
ears. Well, she would have to answer this time.

"Do you want me to go?" he asked plainly.

"I don't want you to go." Her tone was thoughtful. "But I know you
can't stay. One has to accept things."

"One doesn't. One can make things happen."

"How?"

"By willing."

"Do you honestly believe that?" He was astonished at the depth of
mockery in her tone.

"I certainly do believe it. I'll prove it if you like."

"How?"

"By staying."