I'm speaking very seriously." He leaned forward, a hand on each knee; for some moments he bent his eyes on the floor.

"What I wish to say to you," he went on at last, looking up, "is that I find I'm in love with you." She instantly rose.

"Ah, keep that till I am tired!" "Tired of hearing it from others ?" He sat there raising his eyes to her.
"No, you may heed it now or never, as you please.

But after all I must say it now." She had turned away, but in the movement she had stopped herself and dropped her gaze upon him.

The two remained a while in this situation, exchanging a long look--the large, conscious look of the critical hours of life.