You went your own wilful way, just as though I didn't exist--wrecking schooners, recruiting on Malaita, and sailing schooners; one lone, unprotected girl in the company of some of the worst scoundrels in the Solomons.

Fowler! and Brahms! and Curtis! And such is the perverseness of human nature--I am frank, you see--I love you for that too.

I love you for all of you, just as you are." She made a _moue_ of distaste and raised a hand protestingly.
"Don't," he said.

"You have no right to recoil from the mention of my love for you.

Remember this is a man-talk.