He wouldn't like it if he knew I was talking to you in this way; but then I know it will go no further, and naturally my mind dwells on the subject of his anxieties.

What wouldn't I do to help him!" she concluded, with a fine enthusiasm.
"I think you are doing a great deal to help him, Stella," he said, gravely and gently; "and, believe me, it involves no little sacrifice on my part also." "But you have promised to be patient, Graydon." "I have, but you cannot think that I like it or approve of the diplomacy you are compelled to practice, even though your motive be unselfish and filial.

I don't think you ought to be placed in such a position, and would that it were in my power to relieve you from it!" Tears of self-commiseration came into her eyes, and they appeared to him exceedingly pathetic.

She made as if she would speak but could not, then retreated hastily to her room.

Once in seclusion she dashed the drops away, her eyes glittered with anger, and she stamped her foot on the floor and muttered: "It is indeed an abominable position.
I might accept Graydon any day, any hour, now, and dare not.