"But--you'll have to be awfully patient with me, because--because--" She paused, agitatedly; then went yet a little nearer to him.

"You will be kind to me, won't you ?" she pleaded.
He put his arm about her.

"Always, dear," he said.
She raised her face.

She was still trembling, but her action was one of resolute confidence.

"Then let's be friends, Billikins!" she said.
It was a tacit invitation.