I am grown up.
A man doesn't need so much done for him when he is grown up." Then again he looked at Ellen with eyes of pleading which would have made of the older woman what he remembered her to have been in his childhood, and hers answered again.
Robert did not say anything to her about the valedictory until just before the close of the evening, when their last dance together was over.
"I am sorry I did not have a chance to hear your valedictory," he said.

"I could not come early." Ellen blushed and smiled, and made the conventional school-girl response.

"Oh, you didn't miss anything," said she.
"I am sure I did," said the young man, earnestly.

Then he looked at her and hesitated a little.

"I wonder if you would be willing to lend it to me ?" he said, then.