"The highest respect is the basis of true love, and, little girl, I love you." She clung to the frame of the window, rendered speechless by my audacity, struggling with herself.
"Oh, don't say that! I cannot listen; I must not.

Believe me, Lieutenant Galesworth, I do not altogether blame you, for I have been indiscreet, foolish.

I--I have not meant to be; I merely endeavored to prove kind and friendly, never once dreaming it would come to this.

Now it must end, absolutely end; even if you despise me for a heartless coquette, there is no other way.

My path is laid out for me, and I must walk in it.