"Because it is a stupid convention which says that a man may and a woman may not. Why should it be a matter of course for you and, in most cases, a matter of comment and even vulgarity for me?"
"Usage."
"Usage isn't a reason. It's Time's trick for applying the brake to progress."
He lit up gratefully, waving out the match and hesitating for a spot to dispose of it. She reached across the table, palm up. "Give me."
He caught her hand.
"Lilly!"
She jerked back with a little clicky catch of breath.
"Don't."
"Lilly, you're maddening! Lilly, can't you see what I haven't the words to tell you? For years—since that night at the Waldorf—I—I have been living for this moment. I realized it to-night as you read that play. Lilly, is what is between us insurmountable?"
She jerked back her head, her irises at their trick of growing.