"I'm not to be considered in the same class with her."
"I don't grant that, but if I did, you must remember how I compare with Phil. He's my superior at every point. There's no use in discussing that. You wanted to see me, Edith. What did you want?"
"I didn't want you to go away."
"Not at all?"
"Not at all! Not ever! Not unless you take me with you, Hart."
She slightly extended one hand to him. Henderson took that hand, kissing it again and again.
"Anything you want, Edith," he said brokenly. "Just as you wish it. Do you want me to stay here, and go on as we have been?"
"Yes, only with a difference."
"Can you tell me, Edith?"
"First, I want you to know that you are the dearest thing on earth to me, right now. I would give up everything else, before I would you. I can't honestly say that I love you with the love you deserve. My heart is too sore. It's too soon to know. But I love you some way. You are necessary to me. You are my comfort, my shield. If you want me, as you know me to be. Hart, you can consider me yours. I give you my word of honour I will try to be as you would have me, just as soon as I can."
Henderson kissed her hand passionately. "Don't, Edith," he begged. "Don't say those things. I can't bear it. I understand. Everything will come right in time. Love like mine must bring a reward. You will
