Olive Higgins Prouty

“ Just what legal steps to be taken in regard to her marriage would be necessary, Reba wasn't sure, but Chadwick Booth would know. Of course she meant to tell him about her marriage, and the very next time they met. What a relief it would be to share at last with somebody else this ghost-like thing that had menaced her peace of mind so long! She would tell Dr. Booth how she was really more married to him already. He, so experienced, and worldly-wise, would know how to advise and guide her. ”

“ When, however, two or three afternoons and evenings alone together had been passed, and still he had not spoken of marriage, Reba began searching for other causes for his silence. Was it, possibly, she wondered, because he was uncertain of her feelings for him?
She was sure that this was the explanation when, one afternoon, three or four weeks after the revelation on the rocks, he smiled down at her with a kind of hurt-boy, peevish sort of expression, and asked half seriously, half playfully, "Why are you so passive, Becky, still? What are you made of? Why don't you ever let yourself go? ”

“ Reba had not written to Nathan since June. She couldn't bring herself to write to him in her usual casual manner. Silence was more honest, and she wanted at least to be honest.
Reba didn't like the duplicity of her position. Oh, when would Chadwick Booth speak? Again she contemplated telling him about the sailor. But no—no. How could she now? If ever, it should have been that first time among the rocks, by the waves. Now it would be indelicate, look as if she expected him to propose marriage to her. Of course she did expect it, and he must know she did, but no—no. Women must wait. ”