“Why, I hadn't noticed it—stunning—stunning. If there is a queen on earth it is you,”—he added.
She flushed under the praise and was silent.
“Harry,”—she said after a while, “I hate to trouble you now, but I am so worried about things at home.”
He looked up half frowning.
“You know I have always told you I could not marry you now. I would not burden you with Papa.”
“Why, yes,” he answered mechanically, “we're both young and can wait. You see, really, Pet—you know I am dependent at present on the Gov'nor an'—”
“I understand all that,” she said quickly—“but”—
“A long engagement will only test our love,” he broke in with a show of dignity.
“You do not understand,” she went on. “Things have got so bad at home that I must earn something.”
He frowned and tapped his foot impatiently. She sat up closer to him and put her hand on his. He did not move nor even return the pressure.