Some men might be satisfied to be your husband, and be regarded as a father or brother.
I am not.

The red bird didn't want a sister, Ruth, he was asking for a mate.

So am I.That's as plain as I know how to put it.

There is some way to awaken you into a living, loving woman, and, please God, I'll find it yet, but I'm slow about it; there's no question of that.

Never you mind! Don't worry! Some of these days I have faith to believe it will sweep you as a tide sweeps the shore, and then I hope God will be good enough to let me be where you will land in my arms." The Girl sat looking at him between narrowed lids.