"I hate to be called an utter stranger, but I haven't the least objection to saying what I think of you. In fact, I'd like to! May I?"
"Is it nice?" asked Patty, frightened a little at Bill's quiet tones.
"Judge for yourself. I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,—and the most fascinating. I think you have the sweetest nature and disposition imaginable. I think you have just enough perversity to give you the Zip you need."
"What is Zip?"
"Never mind; don't interrupt. I think you are the most adorable fluff of femininity in the world,—and I KNOW I love you, and I want you for all my very own. Patty,—DARLING,—tell me now what you think of ME."
"Oh, Bill, DON'T say such things to me,—PLEASE, don't!" And Patty's overstrung nerves gave way, and she began to cry.
"I won't, dear,—I won't, if it bothers you," and Big Bill's arm went round her in such a comforting way that Patty wept on his broad shoulder.
"Don't,—don't think me a silly," she said, smiling up at him through her tears, "but—I'm so tired, and sleepy,—if you could just wait till morning,—I'd tell you then what I think of you."
"Very well, dear, I'll wait."
"No, you needn't, I'll tell you now," and Patty suddenly drew away from
Bill's arm and faced him bravely. "I'm a coward,—that's what I am! And
I cried because,—because I can't say what you want me to, and—and I
HATE to hurt your feelings,—because I LIKE you so much."