It must last me a while." He leaned forward, looking at her with an intent expression.
"Sylvia, give me the right to try." She shrank from him with a start that was partly natural, for she was not quite prepared for a bold avowal.
"No," she said in alarm.

"How can I do that ?" "Don't you understand me, Sylvia?
I want the right to take care of you." She checked him with a gesture.
"It is you who can't understand.

Do you think I'm heartless ?" "Nothing could make me think hardly of you," he declared.
"Then show me some respect and consideration.

It was what I looked for; I felt I was safe with you." Though he had not expected strong opposition, he saw that she was determined.

He had been too precipitate, and while he had no idea of abandoning his purpose, he bowed.
"If I've offended, you must forgive me--I thought of nothing beyond my longing for you.