"But it's no use talking about that.

None of the girls have any such foolish notion.

And I wouldn't permit it if they had." Diantha smiled.

"I suppose you never would permit your wife to work ?" "My widow might have to--not my wife." He held his fine head a trifle higher, and her hand ached for a moment.
"Wouldn't you let me work--to help you, Ross ?" "My dearest girl, you've got something far harder than that to do for me, and that's wait." His face darkened again, and he passed his hand over his forehead.
"Sometimes I feel as if I ought not to hold you at all!" he burst out, bitterly.

"You ought to be free to marry a better man." "There aren't any!" said Diantha, shaking her head slowly from side to side.