"Then why would it be treason to help the roboes escape, Don?"
"Shiela, what in the world has come over you, talking like this? You know that it would be impossible; even if I wanted to."
Tossing her head quickly, the girl changed moods in an instant. "You're right; I was just talking. Let's forget it all and go on a picnic this Sunday." She jumped to her feet.
"Wait, Shiela."
She stopped, inquiringly. "Yes."
For a moment, words came with difficulty. "Well, you know that ever since I've started working for your father that I ... I mean you.... Damn it; you know how I feel about you, Shiela, and you didn't seem to object."
"No, Don."
"Then why can't we get married right away, sweetheart?"
To his surprise, her eyes filled with tears and her lips twisted in pain. "Don!" she exclaimed, "You shouldn't have said anything."
She melted into his arms and relaxed briefly, supple young body pressed against his. Then, suddenly, she tore herself from his arms and fled towards the house.