It seemed inconceivable that she for the minute should not know his meaning, but she was bewildered.
"You know I've always counted on havin' you for my wife some day when we were both old enough," said the boy, "and I've gone to work now, and I hope to get bigger pay before long, and--" Ellen rose with sudden realization.

"Granville Joy," cried she, with something like panic in her voice, "you must not! Oh, if I had known! I would not have let you finish.

I would not, Granville." She caught his arm, and clung to it, and looked up at him pitifully.
"You know I wouldn't have let you finish," she said.

"Don't be hurt, Granville." The boy looked at her as if she had struck him.
"Oh, Ellen," he groaned.

"Oh, Ellen, I always thought you would!" "I am not going to marry anybody," said Ellen.