She did not wish to enter into a formal engagement--it was a little too early to make an announcement yet--but she thought it wise to bind him in some degree before she left.
"Until the spring ?" he broke out.

"You expect me to let you go ?" "You must," said Sylvia firmly, and added in a softer voice, "I'm rather sorry." He saw that he could not shake her decision.
"Then we must have a clear understanding," he rejoined hotly.

"You know I want you--when is this waiting to end?
Tell me now, and let me tell all who care to hear, that you belong to me." Sylvia made a gesture of protest and coquettishly looked down.
"You must still have patience," she murmured; "the time will soon pass." "And then ?" he asked with eagerness.
She glanced up at him shyly.
"If you will ask me again when I come back, I will give you your answer." She left him no reason for doubting what that answer would be; and, stretching out his arms, he drew her strongly to him.

In a minute or two, however, Sylvia insisted on his returning to his host, and soon afterward Mrs.Kettering came in to look for her..