"No, they would not. I should have hunted you out this winter when I went to Washington."
"And we should not yet have been more than mere acquaintances."
"Are you glad it is otherwise, sweet Gwen?"
"Please don't."
"I can't help it. The parting hour is so near. It makes me wild to think of it. How can I keep back what I so long to say? I love you, love you, love you, Gwen. Let me tell you here in these woods where we have had so many happy times. You needn't say anything in return, my darling girl, though I am a selfish beast, and long to have you." He caught her hand and kissed the blue-veined wrist where it showed white between her glove and the dark of her jacket.
HE CAUGHT HER HAND AND KISSED THE BLUE-VEINED WRIST.
"Oh, Kenneth!" expostulated Gwen. "You mustn't, you know you mustn't."