"Three years to have been on your own, so to speak, is too long.

You did ought to get married, Miss Sylvia.
You'll find it's the only way." His voice took on almost a pleading note.

He knew it was possible to go too far.
But the girl facing him was still laughing.

She evidently felt no resentment.
"You see, Jeffcott," she said, "there's only one man in the world I could marry.

And he's not ready for me yet." Jeffcott wagged his beard again commiseratingly.