The Road to Understanding

by Eleanor H. Porter

"May I ask why?" There was the chill of ice in his voice.

Again Betty felt the almost hysterical desire to laugh. Still her face was very grave.

"You— I— In the end you would not want me, Mr. Denby," she faltered, "because I—I should not be—happy here."

"May I ask why—that?"

There was no answer.

"Miss Darling, why wouldn't you be happy here?"

Genuine distress came into Betty's face.

"I would rather not say, Mr. Denby."

"But I prefer that you should."

"I can't. You would think me—impertinent."