"But, Betty, I've just this noon sat down and figured up where I stand. It
has frightened me a little. I didn't realize I was taking in more than
ten thousand a year. And all of a sudden it struck me that I've been an
imbecile to wait, or make any agreement----"

"Then you broke it deliberately?"

"Absolutely. Betty--no fooling now; I'm in earnest----"

Studying him, she saw that he was intensely in earnest.

"You see, child, I've tried to be patient because I know how you were
brought up, what you're used to. Why, I wouldn't dream of asking you to
be my wife unless I could feel pretty sure of being able to give you the
comforts you've always had and ought to have. But hang it, Betty, I _can_
do it right! I can give you a home that's worthy of you. Any time! This
year, even!"

"Penny, do you think I care what your income is--for one minute?"

"Why--why----"

"When I'm earning twenty dollars a week myself and prouder of it than--"

"But that's absurd, Betty--for you to be working--as a stenographer, of all
things! A girl with your looks and your gifts and all that's back of you."

"You mean that I should make marriage my profession?"

"Well--well----"