"I don't know how to tell you," she said again.
"Maybe I can guess," said Jake.
"Ah!" she said, and laid her face down quickly on his sleeve.
He laid his free hand on her head. "It's Bunny, is it?" he said.
She answered him quiveringly. "Yes, it's—it's Bunny."
"Well?" said Jake gently.
She spoke with her face still hidden. "You don't want me to marry him, do you? I won't do it either—without your permission."
"Mine!" said Jake.
"Yes." Her words came rapidly. "You love Bunny. You know what's best for him. You want him to have the best."
Jake's hand caressed her bent head. "Well," he said, after a moment. "I guess that's so. But—I've come to love you in the same way. I'd like you to have the best too."