"Sit down, please." She obeyed, positively inert with surprise.
"Do you think I keep you at this detestable business because I want the money ?" he asked.

"Dear Heaven! Ruth, is that what you think of me ?" Fortunately, before she could answer, he went on: "No, no, no! I have wanted to make you a free and independent being, my dear, and that is why I have put you through the most dangerous and exacting school in the world.

You understand ?" "I think I do," she replied falteringly.
"But not entirely.

Let me pour you some tea?
No ?" He sighed, as he blew forth the smoke of a cigarette.

"But you don't understand entirely," he continued, "and you must.