"This is a happy time to ask it!" she said with superior amusement. "And this is a good place!"
"Very good indeed, and that's why I speak: it's a place to make one choose—it puts it all before one."
"To make you choose, you mean. I'm much obliged, but that's not my choice," laughed Miriam.
"You shall be anything you like except this."
"Except what I most want to be? I am much obliged."
"Don't you care for me? Haven't you any gratitude?" Sherringham insisted.
"Gratitude for kindly removing the blest cup from my lips? I want to be what she is—I want it more than ever."
"Ah what she is—!" He took it impatiently.
"Do you mean I can't? Well see if I can't. Tell me more about her—tell me everything."
"Haven't you seen for yourself and, knowing things as you do, can't you judge?"