And it doesn't matter.
I can look after myself."
"No, you can't," he said vehemently, making a step towards her and
then suddenly stopping. "That's just it--you can't. I've been
thinking all the time since the other evening when we were together,
and I've seen that you believe every word I say and you trust me. I
don't mean to tell lies--I don't know that I'm worse than most other
men--but I'm not good enough for you to trust in all the same. I've
been knocking about for years, and I suppose I've had most of my
idealism knocked out of me. Anyway I don't believe in most people,
and you still do. I'm not going to be the one to change you."
"Perhaps I know more about life than you think," said Maggie.
"No, how can you? You've never had a chance of seeing any of it.
You'd get sick of me in no time. I'm moody and selfish and bad-
tempered. I used to drink a bit too. And I can't be faithful to
women. I might think I was going to be faithful to you and swear I
would be--and then suddenly some one would come along. I thought for
a bit I'd just go on with you and see what came of it. You're so
unusual, you make me want to be straight with you; but I've seen it
wouldn't be fair.
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