'Oh, I have no right to do that, but since you ask, I will say that you have not very far to seek your opportunities. Your Uncle Tom told me the other day you employed nearly seven hundred men and women at your mills. If that is not a field for you to work in, I don't know what is.'
George Fordyce bit his lip ever so slightly, and half turned away. This was bringing it home indeed, and the vision of himself taking up a new rôle among his own workpeople rather disconcerted him.
'Now you are offended,' said Gladys quickly; 'and, please, it is not my fault. You asked me what you should do.'
'Offended with you! No such thing. You could never offend me. Can't you see, Gladys, that the very reason I would be better is you, and you alone. I want to please you, because I want to win you.'
There was no doubt at all about his meaning now. The passion with which he spoke brought a blush to the girl's cheek, and she rose hurriedly from her chair.
'Oh, you must not say such things to me, please.'
'Why not? Every man has the right to speak when he loves a woman as I love you. Could not you care for me, Gladys? I know I am not half good, but I'll try to be better for your sake.'
'I have liked you very well. I do like you,' she answered, with a trembling frankness,—'only, I think, not quite in that way.'
'If you like me at all, I shall not despair. It will come in time. Give me the hope that you'll try to think of me in that way,' he pleaded passionately; and Gladys slightly shook her head.
'Try?' she repeated. 'I do not know much, but it seems to me that that should be without trying.'