What more could a woman ask?''
He forced an uncomfortable laugh. ``Of course--
of course,'' he said with a painful effort to be easy and
jocose.
``I knew you'd marry me, even if I couldn't sing a
note. I knew your belief in my career had nothing to
do with it.''
He hesitated, blurted out the truth. ``Speaking
seriously, that isn't quite so,'' said he. ``I've got my
heart set on your making a great tear--and I know
you'll do it.''
``And if you knew I wouldn't, you'd not want to
marry me?''
``I don't say that,'' protested he. ``How can I say
how I'd feel if you were different?''
She nodded. ``That's sensible, and it's candid,'' she
said. She laid her hand impulsively on his arm. ``I
DO like you, Stanley. You have got such a lot of good
qualities. Don't worry. I'm not going to insist on
your marrying me.''
``You don't have to do that, Mildred,'' said he.
``I'm staring, raving crazy about you, though I'm a
damn fool to let you know it.''
``Yes, it is foolish,'' said she.
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