I want you to know that had things been different I should have rejoiced beyond words." "Oh, don't!" she cried.
"I must," he answered and she was silent.

"I want you to know," he repeated, stammering and stumbling, afraid lest each word meant to heal should only pierce the deeper.

"Before I came here there was no one.
Since I came here there has been--you.

Oh, my dear, I would have been very glad.

But I am obscure--without means.