But with all her throbbing strength she held herself in check.
He did not answer her at once.

She waited, compelling herself to silence.
At length quite calmly he turned and faced her.

"Well now, Olga, listen to me," he said.

"I am a good deal older than you are, but I am still capable of a certain amount of foolishness.

What I am now going to say to you, I have wanted to say for some time, but you have been so absurdly shy with me that--as you perceive--I have been obliged to resort to strategy to obtain a hearing." He paused, for Olga had suddenly gripped the rail as if she needed support.