dreamed
that it could be!

Carter. But now you must not dream. I say again I love you! It is
so easy to say that to you now. Say you love me!

Fair (quietly and with an effort at calmness). Of course, I love you,
Carter. You are my cousin, my kinsman, my own dear friend. Why, ever
since I can remember I have loved you. But--but--such love as this you
ask for now--Oh, Carter, can't you see--I cannot love you in that way.

Carter. But you can learn. Oh, surely, you can learn to love me!
I've loved you for so long! It won't be hard to show you how that love
can grow. Why, ever since you were a tiny little girl, I have loved you
and watched over you and taken care of you. Do you remember that day, so
many years ago, when you ran away and walked far down the road to meet
your father? You thought you would surprise him as he came back home
from town. You never thought how far you were from home. You walked and
walked until you were so tired you sat down by the road to wait. It was
growing late, and you were frightened at the darkness coming on, and you
began to cry--for you were such a little girl, and it was getting very
dark. And then I came along and found you. You thought at first I was a
bear; but when I spoke, you ran right into my arms and kissed me, and
said you were so glad I'd come to take you home. Ever since that day
I've loved you--loved with all my heart, with all my soul! Now, I must
give this love to you. Look at me--speak to me--say you will try! Say I
may keep you in my heart, as I have done ever since that day, so many
years ago!

[Fair has stood looking off into the sunset. She turns slowly,
then speaks.

[Gordon enters at gate unseen by them.

Fair (in a very low voice). Carter, you know I love and trust you,
and you know it's like tearing my heart strings to tell you this. But it
is because I love and trust you as I do that I must tell you. (Slowly)--I
cannot give my heart, or my life to you. They are not mine! Now!

Carter (slowly realizing). You mean--

Fair (in agony). I love him--

Carter (in a strange voice). I may not ask you--who?

Fair. Better no, my dearest Carter.

Carter (turns to the house, all the life and happiness gone from
his face). Will you come in? We have not long before the wedding.

[Exit into house.

[Gordon comes slowly to Fair who has sunk down upon the bench,