"I'm sorry I said anything to you about it."

"You needn't be. You haven't harmed yourself. And maybe I can
help you."

"No--we won't talk of it," she said--she was pressing her hand
on her bosom where she could feel her wedding ring. "It
wouldn't be right, now. I don't wish your advice."

"But I must give it. I'm years and years older than you--many,
many years more than the six between us. And----"

"I don't wish to hear."

"For his sake, for your own sake, Pauline, tell them! And
they'll surely help you to wait till you're older before you do
anything--irrevocable."

"But I care for him," she said--angrily, though it could not
have been what he was saying so gently that angered her. "You
forget that I care for him. It IS irrevocable now. And I'm glad
it is!"

"You LIKE him. You don't LOVE him. And--he's not worthy of
your love. I'm sure it isn't prejudice that makes me say it. If
he were, he'd have waited----"

She was on her feet, her eyes blazing.

"I asked for advice, not a lecture. I DESPISE you! Attacking