No More Learning

No, I
wouldn't; I'd let you walk. But you couldn't do it, dear. And I wouldn't
run the risk. You're worth waiting for till you can come without
reservation. "

"Do you honestly believe that? "

"I have a hazy sort of idea that I do. Has it never struck you in that
light? "

"Ye--es. I feel so wicked about it. "

"Wickeder than usual? "

"You don't know all I think. It's almost too awful to tell. "

"Never mind. You promised to tell me the truth--at least. "

"It's so ungrateful of me, but--but, though I know you care for me, and
I like to have you with me, I'd--I'd even sacrifice you, if that would
bring me what I want.
"

"My poor little darling! I know that state of mind. It doesn't lead to
good work. "

"You aren't angry? Remember, I do despise myself. "

"I'm not exactly flattered,--I had guessed as much before,--but I'm not
angry. I'm sorry for you. Surely you ought to have left a littleness
like that behind you, years ago. "

"You've no right to patronise me! I only want what I have worked for so
long. It came to you without any trouble, and--and I don't think it's
fair. "

"What can I do? I'd give ten years of my life to get you what you want.
But I can't help you; even I can't help. "

A murmur of dissent from Maisie. He went on--"And I know by what you
have just said that you're on the wrong road to success.