spoke ill of any one. So, putting his criticism of her companions
aside, he said:

'Only under one condition could I go abroad with you. You know,
Mildred, I love you.'

An expression of pleasure came upon her face, and, seeing it, he threw
his arms out to draw her closer. She drew away.

'You shrink from me.... I suppose I'm too rough. You could never care
for me.'

'Yes, indeed, Ralph, I do care for you. I like you very much indeed,
but not like that.'

'You could not like me enough to marry me.'

'I don't think I could marry any one.'

'Why not?'

'I don't know.'

'Do you care for any one else?'

'No, indeed I don't. I like you very much. I want you to be my
friend.... But you don't understand. Men never do. I suppose affection
would not satisfy you.'

'But you could not marry me?'