Now, what have you to say to me ?" "I wish to ask you something." "With pleasure," she said; "go ahead." And she settled back, fearlessly expectant.
"Very well, then," he said, striving to speak coolly.

"It is this: Will you marry me, Eileen ?" She turned perfectly white and stared at him, stunned.

And he repeated his question, speaking slowly, but unsteadily.
"N-no," she said; "I cannot.

Why--why, you know that, don't you ?" "Will you tell me why, Eileen ?" "I--I don't know why.

I think--I suppose that it is because I do not love you--that way." "Yes," he said, "that, of course, is the reason.