On the other hand, if she
accepted the engagement he would have her and Margaret and all the
proud Severence family in the position of humbly seeking alliance
with him. Admirable! No wonder Branch was jealous and the
President alarmed. "Your game," said she pleasantly, "is extremely
unkempt, but effective. I congratulate you. I owe you an apology
for having misjudged you."
He gave her a shrewd look. "I know little Latin and less Greek,"
said he, "but, 'timeo Danaos dona ferentes.' And I've got no game.
I'm telling you the straight truth, and I want you to help save me
from Margaret and from myself. I love the girl. I honestly don't
want to make her wretched. I need a sock-darner, a wash-counter, a
pram-pusher, for a wife, as Grant would say, not a dainty piece of
lace embroidery. It would soon be covered with spots and full of
holes from the rough wear I'd give it."
Madam Bowker laughed heartily. "You are--delicious," said she.
"You state the exact situation. Only I don't think Rita is quite
so fragile as you fancy. Like all persons of common origin, Mr.
Craig, you exaggerate human differences. They are not differences
of kind, but of degree.
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