Althea was troubled, and she was also ashamed of herself, but whether because of that vision of Gerald Digby, or whether because she was allowing Franklin privileges never allowed before, she did not know.

Only the profundity of reverence that beamed upon her from Franklin's eyes enabled her to regain her self-respect.
Smiling a little constrainedly, she drew her hand from his and rose.

'I mustn't bind myself,' she repeated, standing with downcast eyes before him, 'but I'll try; indeed, I'll try.' 'You want to be in love with me, if only you can manage it, don't you, dear ?' he questioned; and to this she could truthfully reply, 'Yes, dear Franklin, I want to be in love with you.'.