"Our relations are to remain what you desire them to be, dear."
"I desire them to be what they are—always."
"Then that is my wish also," he said with a smile so genuine and gay that, a little confused by his acquiescence, her own response was slow. But presently her smile dawned, a little tremulous and uncertain, and her gray eyes remained wistful though the lips curled deliciously.
"I would do anything in the world for you, Rix, except—that," she said in a low voice.
"I know you would, you dear girl."
"Don't you really believe it?"
"Of course I do!"
"But—I can't do that—ever. It would—would spoil you for me.... What in the world would I do if you were spoiled for me, Rix? I haven't anybody else.... What would I do here—all alone? I couldn't stay—I wouldn't know what to do—where to go in the world.... It would be lonely—lonely——"
She bent her head, and remained so, gray eyes fixed on her clasped fingers. For a long while she sat bowed over, thinking; once or twice she lifted her eyes to look at him, but her gaze always became confused and remote; and he did not offer to break the silence.
At last she looked up with a movement of decision, her face clearing.