"I like you very much; I esteem and respect you; but I do not love you." "I should wonder if you did.

But you will let me earn your love, Isabel ?" "Oh, yes," she earnestly answered.

"I hope so." He drew her closer to him, bent his face, and took from her lips his first kiss.

Isabel was passive; she supposed he had gained the right to do so.

"My dearest! It is all I ask.".