It is my dearest desire." He paused and looked at her with intent significance; but it was plain to him that she thought there was nothing more at issue than mutual confidences about things in general.
"Yes, go ahead," she said, a trifle impatient at his delay.
"I love to think of the success of Berande," he said; "but that is secondary.

It is subordinate to the dearest wish, which is that some day you will share Berande with me in a completer way than that of mere business partnership.

It is for you, some day, when you are ready, to be my wife." She started back from him as if she had been stung.

Her face went white on the instant, not from maidenly embarrassment, but from the anger which he could see flaming in her eyes.
"This taking for granted!--this when I am ready!" she cried passionately.
Then her voice swiftly became cold and steady, and she talked in the way he imagined she must have talked business with Morgan and Raff at Guvutu.
"Listen to me, Mr.Sheldon.

I like you very well, though you are slow and a muddler; but I want you to understand, once and for all, that I did not come to the Solomons to get married.