`` Yes , '' said Sylvia , not much above a whisper . `` It -- it surprised me very much . I never supposed that you -- you cared for me in that way . '' `` Can you tell me how I could help caring ? '' said the Old Fellow in the strangest way . His voice actually trembled . `` I -- I do n't think I would tell you if I knew , '' said Sylvia , turning her head away . `` You see -- I do n't want you to help caring . '' `` Sylvia ! '' You never saw such a transformation as came over the Old Fellow . His eyes just blazed , but his face went white . He bent forward and took her hand . `` Sylvia , do you mean that you -- you actually care a little for me , dearest ? Oh , Sylvia , do you mean that ? '' `` Of course I do , '' said Sylvia right out . `` I 've always cared -- ever since I was a little girl coming here to school and breaking my heart over mathematics , although I hated them , just to be in your class . Why -- why -- I 've treasured up old geometry exercises you wrote out for me just because you wrote them . But I thought I could never make you care for me . I was the happiest girl in the world when your letter came today . '' `` Sylvia , '' said the Old Fellow , `` I 've loved you for years .
But I never dreamed XXXXX you could care for me .
Of above although for if over since that to up