"I'm so sorry, but I couldn't help telling you.

I know you've been unconscious of it, but how could a fellow help loving you, Lois?
And I couldn't go away to Lockhaven and not know if there was any chance for me.

Can you care, a--little ?" She did not speak until he said again, his voice trembling with a sudden hope, "Won't you say one word, Lois ?" "Why, Giff," she said, sitting up very straight, and looking at him, her wet eyes shining in the darkness, "you know I care--I've always cared, but not that way--and--and--you don't, Giff, you don't really--it's just a fancy." "It is not a fancy," he answered quietly.

"I knew I loved you that first time I came home from college.

But you were too young; it would not have been right.