"What people?"
Mary was somewhat vague. "The people who need us—to help."
"Marry me, and you can be Lady Bountiful—dispensing charity."
"It isn't exactly charity." She had again the vision of Roger Poole and the boy. "People don't just want our money—they want us to—understand."
He was not following her. "To think that you should want to go out in the world—to work. Tell me why you are doing it."
"Because I need an outlet for my energies—the girl of limited income in these days is as ineffective as a jellyfish, if she hasn't some occupation."
"You could never be a jellyfish. Mary, listen, listen. I need you, dear. I've kept still for a year—Mary!"
"Porter, I can't."
And now he asked a question which had smouldered long in his breast.
"Is there any one else?"