“But what earthly chance have I?” he went on, innocently but ruthlessly. “No one can help loving Nora.”
“No,” in a small voice.
“It’s all rot, this talk about affinities. There’s always some poor devil left outside. But who can help loving Nora?” he repeated.
“Who indeed!”
“And there’s not the least chance in the world for me.”
“You never can tell until you put it to the test.”
“Do you think I have a chance? Is it possible that Nora may care a little for me?” He turned his head toward her eagerly.
“Who knows?” She wanted him to have it over with, to learn the truth that to Nora Harrigan he would never be more than an amiable comrade. He would then have none to turn to but her. What mattered it if her own heart ached so she might soothe the hurt in his? She laid a hand upon his shoulder, so lightly that he was only dimly conscious of the contact.
“It’s a rummy old world. Here I’ve gone alone all these years....”
“Twenty-six!” smiling.