I--I assure you, Mr, Gatewood, this duty is not--not always agreeable--and some people make it harder still." Gatewood looked out of the window.

Various emotions---among them shame, mortification, chagrin--pervaded him, and chased each other along his nervous system, coloring his neck and ears a fiery red for the enlightenment of any observer.
"I--I did not mean to offend you," said the girl in a low voice--such a gently regretful voice that Gatewood swung around in his chair.
"There is nothing I would not be glad to tell you about the woman I have fallen in love with," he said.

"She is overwhelmingly lovely; and--when I dare--I will tell you her name and where I first saw her--and where I saw her last--if you desire.

Shall I ?" "It would be advisable.

When will you do this ?" "When I dare." "You--you don't dare--now ?" "No.