‘And what shall I gain by that?’ her friend asked with no sign of wincing.

“You'll have obliged me greatly.’

‘And what will be my reward?’

‘Do you need a reward for an act of generosity?’

‘Yes, when it involves a great sacrifice.’

“There’s no generosity without some sacrifice. Men don’t understand such things. If you make the sacrifice you’ll have all my admiration.’

‘I don’t care a cent for your admiration — not one straw, with nothing to show for it. When will you marry me? That’s the only question.’

‘Never — if you go on making me feel only as I feel at present.’

‘What do I gain then by not trying to make you feel otherwise?’

“You'll gain quite as much as by worrying me to death!’