All the same, I wish to tell you that I love you, and to ask you to be my wife." "I am afraid I cannot," said Ruth, almost inaudibly.
"No," said Charles, looking straight before him, "I have asked you too soon.

You are quite right.

I did not expect anything different; I only wished you to know.

But, perhaps, some day--" "Don't!" said Ruth, clasping her hands tightly together.

"You don't know what you are saying.