"I never dreamed it," she said. "I thought—otherwise."
"Oh, it is nothing; some day things will come out right. Only—I have a chance now—if you—if you would help me.... I could win with you; I know it. And if I do win—with your aid—I will double your present salary. And that is what I've come here to say. Is that fair?"
He waited, watching her intently. She had dropped her eyes, sitting there very silent at the foot of the tree, cradling the big straw hat in her lap.
"Whatever you decide to be fair—" he began again, but she looked up wistfully.
"I was not thinking of that," she said; "I was only—sorry."
"Sorry?"
"That you are poor."
He misunderstood her. "I know; I wish I could offer you something beside a chance——"
"Oh-h," she whispered, but so low that he heard only a long, indrawn breath.