Why not take a little more time ?" "I want to do it as quickly as I can, for reasons," answered Diantha.
Mr.Eltwood looked at her with tender understanding.

"I don't want to intrude any further than you are willing to want me," he said, "but sometimes I think that even you--strong as you are--would be better for some help." She did not contradict him.

Her hands were in her lap, her eyes on the worn boards of the piazza floor.

She did not see a man pass on the other side of the street, cast a searching glance across and walk quickly on again.
"If you were quite free to go on with your beautiful work," said Mr.
Eltwood slowly, "if you were offered heartiest appreciation, profound respect, as well as love, of course; would you object to marrying, Miss Bell ?" asked in an even voice, as if it were a matter of metaphysical inquiry.

Mrs.Porne had told him of her theory as to a lover in the home town, wishing to save him a long heart ache, but he was not sure of it, and he wanted to be.
Diantha glanced quickly at him, and felt the emotion under his quiet words.