“I must say your actions don't bear out your words. You've just been trying to turn me against him.”

“I haven't. I've been trying to convince you that I want you, anyway, and Harry needn't come between us.”

“In other words, you're willing to overlook my being Harry's sister. I appreciate your generosity, I'm sure.” She did not look, however, as if she meant that.

“I didn't mean that.”

“Then you won't overlook it? How very unfortunate! Because I can't help the relationship.”

“Would you, if you could?” he asked rashly.

“Certainly not!”

“I'm afraid we're getting off the trail,” he amended tactfully. “I asked you, a while back, if you'd marry me.”

“And I said I must hear both sides of your trouble with Harry, before I could answer.”

“What's the use? You'd take his part, anyway.”