This reversal of the established formula evoked a gay laugh; but she did not attempt to pass him.
“I never meant to ask you; I was afraid you’d marry me for my money and I want to be loved for myself alone! And don’t think I’d be mentioning it now if I wasn’t so lonesome I could cry! If you’re going to take that money, it’s all off, anyhow. I can’t afford to have anybody questioning my motives. As far as loving you’s concerned, I started full time that first day we met on the river bank, when you pulled my fly out of the tree. I might just as well have told you then—and I wish I had!”
“Well, you needn’t scold me about it now!”
“I’m not scolding. I’m just telling you what you missed!”
“Why don’t you give me another chance? I know I’m only a poor working girl—”
“Nan, I wish you were that!” he cried earnestly. “But all that money’s coming to you now. I wouldn’t have the nerve—”
“It would be the first time your nerve ever failed!” Then, fearing she had wounded him, she added quickly, “Of course, I didn’t mean that.”
“Nan!”
“Well, don’t cry, little boy!”
“Nan!”