“I'm so young, and—I've never been allowed to have my own way. I've always given up.”
“Because you were alone, with no one to help you. Now you have me.”
“That's true. But—”
“Precious one, there's no 'but.'”
“I wish I could think so! Yet something seems to say that if you speak to mother, we shall be lost. I love you—but—do let it be kept secret for a while.”
“With what end?”
“I hardly know. Only, I've the strongest presentiment it would be best.”
“And I've the strongest conviction that not only would it be wrong, but that you wouldn't respect me if I consented.”
“I beg of you, wait at least till the royalties leave Biarritz before you tell mother, or anyone, who you are.”
[pg 024] I could not help smiling, though rather bitterly. “You've heard about my adventure in Barcelona?”