After a moment’s thought she doubtfully shook her blond head. “No, I’m afraid not.”
“Why?”
“Because.”
“Because doesn’t answer anything. If you reject me, I must know why.”
“Because I’d only be disappointed again.” She added, with a little sigh: “All the nice men are sure to be married before I grow up. You’ll fall in love with Lee.”
“I? With Lee?” His real surprise showed how little that contingency had occurred in his thought. Curiosity mingled with a touch of apprehension colored his accent. “Now how do you figure that?”
“Because you’d be a fool if you didn’t.”
The answer, in its dread plainness, caused him to stare. “But—but, you know, I am only her hired man?”
“That wouldn’t count—if she liked you.” After another examination: “And she might do worse. Gee! if I were only a man!”
“Yes?” he prompted. “If you were a man?”