Page:The Return of the Soldier (Van Druten).djvu/51

 : What is it, then? Why won’t you marry me?



I wonder if we don’t misuse that word what exactly we mean by it? One has romantic ideas when one is young not that I ever had; I think I always realised the true inwardness of these things  but you, perhaps, may have felt otherwise. I know that I have never been a romantic figure. I have no illusions on that score. But you must have outgrown schoolgirl notions by now. Listen, Jenny; I care for you very deeply. I believe I have it in my power to make you happy. You cannot doubt that I should be a good husband to you. I need not tell you that there is no one else in my life. There never has been. I don’t think that there’s anyone in yours. Surely, Jenny, you cannot wish to remain a spinster. Your chances are not exactly likely to increase, and you know that I would care for you, look after you. Won’t you reconsider your decision?

I’m cut out for an old maid. Leave it at that





Why, Jenny? Have I hurt you? Forgive me if I have. Nothing was further from my wish.