If he is content with this, I have asked myself why I should be precipitate--why alienate him now in the very crisis of papa's affairs.

Of course if I had only myself to think of--I've been foolish enough to think that I might help papa and still be happy in the end.
Am I so very naughty, Graydon ?" He was at a loss how to answer her, but felt that he must at once disabuse her mind of one expectation.
"I admit, Stella," he said, thoughtfully, "that you are peculiarly placed, and I thank you for making clearer what I had partially surmised.

While I admire and respect the motive, I must still repeat that I regret beyond all words such action in one who is so much to me.

It is right also that I should define my own position more clearly.

I will imitate your generous frankness.