"'That's impossible,' I replied. It was pitiful to see her sitting there like a beggar in the midst of all her splendor. 'I like you very much. I think you're very sweet and kind and girlish.'
"She seemed to react from her boldness. Her eyes filled with tears. 'I know you think I'm terrible to say these things.'
"'No. I feel that I do not deserve such trust on your part.' Then she defended me. 'Yes, you do. I couldn't have spoken to any one else so. You're so kind and gentle.'"
"Did she say that of you?"
"She said that."
"I wish I could reach that phase of your character," sighed Sanborn. "What did you say in reply?"
Mason apparently showed deep feeling at last.
"I told her that I was like the average man. I was taking credit to myself for not devouring her like a wolf! She didn't listen to that. 'What can I do to make you like me?' she asked. She leaned toward me, her chin in her palm, thinking and suffering as her sweet little soul had never suffered before. 'I'm too simple,' she said, with a flash of startling insight. 'I don't know enough. I feel that. Can't I study and change that?'
"'You're changing that now,' I replied.
"She grew radiant for a moment."