I cannot influence him; I have learned that thoroughly.

Better that I retain what real friendship he has left for me than destroy it by any attempt, however gentle, to interfere in his affairs." She stood before him, straight, slender, her face grave and troubled.
"I cannot understand," she said, "how he could refuse to listen to a man like you." "A man like me, Eileen?
Well, if I were worth listening to, no doubt he'd listen.

But the fact remains that I have not been able to hold his interest--" "Don't give him up," she said, still looking straight into his eyes.

"If you care for me, don't give him up." "Care for you, Eileen! You know I do." "Yes, I know it.

So you will not give up Gerald, will you?
He is--is only a boy--you know that; you know he has been--perhaps--indiscreet.
But Gerald is only a boy.