She glared silently at David for a moment; then a harsh, mocking laugh broke from her.
"So, you're in love with Miss Chambers! Miss Chambers—a janitor. What a lovely match! Of course you've told her, and she's said yes!"
"I shall never tell her," David said quietly.
The bitterness and mockery began to fade slowly from her face, and meditation came in their stead; and when she spoke again her tone was the tone of argument. "Don't you know that she's far, far above you? You're a fool to think of her! Why, you can never get her—never! You see that, don't you?"
"Yes." He raised a peremptory, entreating hand. "Please!—let's not speak of her."
Her whole body quickened. "After her, do you like any woman better than me?" she demanded.
He shook his head. "No."
"She's out of the question for you—she doesn't live!" She crept slowly toward David, her eyes burning into his. "There's no one between us," she said in a low, choked voice. Then her voice blazed up, her words rushed out. "You do not want me now, but you will! I'll make you love me. I'll be anything you like—I'll be honest!—I'll work! Yes, yes, I'll make you love me, David!"
Her hands had clutched his, and she now held up her quivering face. "I'm going to be honest for your sake, David. Kiss me!"
David was agonised with the pang of her tragedy, with the shame of his own great part in it. "Forgive me," he whispered huskily; and he stooped and pressed his lips to hers.