“You will forgive me?” pleaded the young fellow, remarking a look of serious irritation on his companion’s face. “I must be with you a few minutes longer.”
“I think when I have begged you not to—”
“I know how bad my behaviour must seem. But, Miss Madden, may I not be on terms of friendship with you?”
“Of course you may—but you are not content with that.”
“Yes—indeed—I will be content—”
“It’s foolish to say so. Haven’t you broken the understanding three or four times?”
The bus stopped for a passenger, a man, who mounted to the top.
“I am so sorry,” murmured Bullivant, as the starting horses jolted them together. “I try not to worry you. Think of my position. You have told me that there is no one else who—whose rights I ought to respect. Feeling as I do, it isn’t in human nature to give up hope!”
“Then will you let me ask you a rude question?”
“Ask me any question, Miss Madden.”