"I say things awkwardly, perhaps unpleasantly, but always sincerely."
Alice looked down at her fan, but spoke with even more firmness. "If we are to be good friends, you must excuse me even from sincerity on topics of this kind."
"Don't cut me from your friendship. We must be the best of friends. I cannot conceive of you as being other than kind, even patient with me."
"Then do not say things I cannot listen to."
"I will never say anything you may not listen to. But concede me the privilege--for it is one--of paying honest tribute to your loveliness when I can't help it."
Without raising her eyes she spoke with decision. "I positively will not listen." With the word she caught up her gown and started away. He walked with her. "I am afraid," he said regretfully, "you are sorry you sent for me."
She turned with burning eyes. "You should be the last to make me so, Mr. Kimberly."
"I wish to be the last. Yet I hate to sacrifice sincerity."
"There is something I put far above sincerity."
He looked mildly surprised. "What can it be?"