My own college offered to take me in; and I believe there were one or two other chances.

But it is kind of you to offer to help me." She had minimized the importance of the offers she had declined so that he might not feel the meagreness of his proffered help; and he liked her way of doing it; but it was incredible that a young woman should decline an advantageous and promising position to accept a minor one.

In the world he knew there were many hands on all the rounds of all the available ladders.
"Of course," he hastened to say, "I knew you were efficient; that's why I thought the public schools were not quite--not quite--worthy of your talents!" Some explanation seemed necessary, and Sylvia hesitated for a moment.
"Do I really have to be serious, Mr.Bassett?
So many people--the girls at college and some of my instructors and Mrs.Owen even--have assured me that I am not quite right in my mind; but I will make short work of my reasons.

Please believe that I really don't mean to take myself too seriously.

I want to teach in the public schools merely to continue my education; there are things to learn there that I want to know.