Dick inclined his head. His heart was thumping furiously with exultation—in spite of her words.
"Then what I say is this: You must wait a long time. If you had insisted on an answer now, I should have said 'No.' I hate to keep you waiting, particularly when I do really think it will be 'No' in the long run; but as I'm not quite sure, and as you've been perfectly honest and courteous, if you really wish it I won't say 'No' at once. Will that do?"
"Whatever you say," said Dick.
"You mustn't forget I was engaged to Frank till quite lately. Don't you see how that obscures one's judgment? I simply can't judge now, and I know I can't.... You're willing to wait, then?—even though I tell you now that I think it will be 'No'?"
"Whatever you say," said Dick again; "and may I say thank you for not saying 'No' at once?"
A very slight look of pain came into the girl's eyes.
"I would sooner you didn't," she said. "I'm sorry you said that...."
"I'm sorry," said poor Dick.
There was a pause.
"One other thing," said Jenny. "Would you mind not saying anything to my father? I don't want him to be upset any more. Have you told anybody else you were—?"