Behind the quiet decision of her voice there was a tremulousness which yielded courage.

I could not part with her like this.
"Billie," I said, and she started at the familiarity of the name, "I am going to risk even your good opinion rather than leave in doubt.

Don't treat me like a boy." Her hand was upon the fence, and I placed both of my own upon it.

"Be honest with me.

Forget the uniform, this sectional war, and let us simply be man and woman--can you not ?" She did not answer, her hand yet held in mine, so startled by my sudden outburst as to be helpless.
"I must know," I went on heedlessly, the very touch of her flesh making me reckless.