``You'll never feel the same toward me again,'' he
went fatuously on. ``You think I'm a fraud. Well,
I'll admit that I am in love with you--have been ever
since the steamer--always was crazy about that mouth
of yours--and your figure, and the sound of your
voice. I'll admit I'm an utter fool about you--respect
you and trust you as I never used to think any woman
deserved to be respected and trusted. I'll even admit
that I've been hoping--all sorts of things. I knew
a woman like you wouldn't let a man help her unless
she loved him.''
At this her heart beat wildly and a blush of shame
poured over her face and neck. He did not see. He
had not the courage to look at her--to face that
expression of the violated goddess he felt confident her
face was wearing. In love, he reasoned and felt about
her like an inexperienced boy, all his experience going
for nothing. He went on:
``I understand we can never be anything to each other
until you're on the stage and arrived. I'd not have it
otherwise, if I could.
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