But she said dejectedly, ``You don't know what a shock
you've given me.''
``Yes, I do,'' cried he. ``I'm ashamed of myself. But --I love
you, Jen! Can't you learn to love me?''
``I hadn't even thought of you in that way,'' said she. ``I
haven't bothered my head about marriage. Of course, most girls
have to think about it, because they must get some one to support
them----''
``I wish to God you were one of that sort,'' interrupted he.
``Then I could have some hope.''
``Hope of what,'' said she disdainfully. ``You don't mean that
you'd marry a girl who was marrying you because she had to have
food, clothing and shelter?''
``I'd marry the woman I loved. Then--I'd MAKE her love me. She
simply couldn't help it.''
Jane Hastings shuddered. ``Thank heaven, I don't have to
marry!'' Her eyes flashed. ``But I wouldn't, even if I were
poor. I'd rather go to work. Why shouldn't a woman work,
anyhow?''
``At what?'' inquired Hull. ``Except the men who do manual
labor, there are precious few men who can make a living honestly
and self-respectingly. It's fortunate the women can hold aloof
and remain pure.''
Jane laughed unpleasantly. ``I'm not so sure that the women who
live with men just for shelter are pure,'' said she.
``Jen,'' the young man burst out, ``you're ambitious-- aren't
you?''
``Rather,'' replied she.
``And you like the sort of thing I'm trying to do-- like it and
approve of it?''
``I believe a man ought to succeed--get to the top.
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