"
"Usage isn't a reason. It's Time's trick for applying the brake to
progress."
He lit up gratefully, waving out the match and hesitating for a spot to
dispose of it. She reached across the table, palm up. "Give me."
He caught her hand.
"Lilly!"
She jerked back with a little clicky catch of breath.
"Don't."
"Lilly, you're maddening! Lilly, can't you see what I haven't the words
to tell you? For years--since that night at the Waldorf--I--I have been
living for this moment. I realized it to-night as you read that play.
Lilly, is what is between us insurmountable?"
She jerked back her head, her irises at their trick of growing.
"You don't know what you are saying!"
"I do know what I am saying. I know that you are the most delectable
woman in the world--and for me."
She held out his hat and cane.
"My little girl is asleep. Hadn't you better go?"
"That's not fair," he said, taking the hat and cane, but flushing up
furiously.
"I know it isn't. But what is there I can say to you?"
"You can talk it out. Man to man."
"Sit down," she said, clasping her hands and regarding him through
swimming and revealing eyes.
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