"You will be my wife."

"But that won't be for a long time...."

"Yes, we must wait—be patient, Joan." She lifted her head, wondering. "But don't fear; love will sustain us."

"I will be patient. You'll have to give me time to learn how not to disgrace you—"

"What nonsense!"

"I mean it. I must be somebody. I'm nobody now."

"You are my dearest love."

"I must be more, to be your wife. Give me time to learn to act. When I am a success—"

"No more of that!" There was definite resolution in the interruption. "You must give up all thought of the stage."

"But I want to—"