And I--and it troubles me to be excluded--to be found wanting, inadequate in anything that a woman should be.

I know that you and I have no desire to marry each other--but--but please don't make the reason for it either your age or my physical immaturity or intellectual inexperience." Another of those weather-stained seats of Georgia marble stood embedded under the trees near where she had halted; and she seated herself, outwardly composed, and inwardly a little frightened at what she had said.
As for Selwyn, he remained where he had been standing on the lawn's velvet edge; and, raising her eyes again, her heart misgave her that she had wantonly strained a friendship which had been all but perfect; and now he was moving across the path toward her--a curious look in his face which she could not interpret.

She looked up as he approached and stretched out her hand: "Forgive me, Captain Selwyn," she said.

"I _am_ a child--a spoiled one; and I have proved it to you.

Will you sit here beside me and tell me very gently what a fool I am to risk straining the friendship dearest to me in the whole world?
And will you fix my penance ?" "You have fixed it yourself," he said.
"How ?" "By the challenge of your womanhood." "I did not challenge--" "No; you defended.