Suppose it were so--that I could venture to think I cared for you that way?
What might I put in peril ?--Geraldine's affection for me--perhaps her relations with you....

And the world is cynical, Scott, and you are wealthy even among very rich men, and I was your paid guardian--quite penniless--engaged to care for and instruct----" "Don't say such things!" he said angrily.
"The world would say them--your friends--perhaps Geraldine might be led to doubt--Oh, Scott, dear, I know, I know! And above all--I am afraid.
There are too many years between us--too many blessed memories of my children to risk....

Don't try to make me care for you in any other way." A quick flame leaped in his eyes.
"_Could_ I ?" "No!" she exclaimed, appalled.
"Then why do you ask me not to try?
I believe I could!" "You cannot! You cannot, believe me.

Won't you believe me?
It must not happen; it is all wrong--in every way----" He stood looking at her with a new expression on his face.
"If you are so alarmed," he said slowly, "you must have already thought about it.

You'll think about it now, anyway." "We are both going to forget it.