Then she tried to smile.
"My--my lips?
I--thought you took such things--lightly----" She hesitated, glanced up at him, then began to tremble.
"Duane--if you are in earnest about our--about an engagement--promise me that I may be released if I--think best----" "Why ?" "I--I might fail----" "The more need of me.

But you can't fail----" "Yes, but if I should, dear.

Will you release me?
I cannot--I will not engage myself to you--unless you promise to let me go if I think it best.

You know what my word means.

Give it back to me if matters go wrong with me.