Such happiness seemed improbable--was not to be grasped.
"Me?
...

your wife ?" she stammered through her fingers.
"Yes, Polly.

Do you think you could learn to care for me a little, my dear?
No, don't be in a hurry to answer.

Take your own time." But she needed none.

With what she felt to be a most unmaidenly eagerness, yet could not subdue, she blurted out: "I know I could.