"You trust me so far?" she asked, brokenly.
"Yes."
"Then I must speak softly, must I not? I must weigh every word. You frighten me——"
"I'm not afraid. You are the woman I love."
"How long have you loved me?" she asked, studying him curiously.
"Always, I think. Consciously since the day I tore that flag down on our lawn."
"And yet you drew away from me at times."
"Yes. I felt the irrepressible conflict between this ideal and my desires. Your voice called me to the work. I determined to put the work to the test first——"
"And I was the inspiration behind your faith and daring leadership?"
"Always."