said Jack earnestly . `` Do n't you care for me at all ? '' It was horrid of Jack to ask that question ! `` No , '' I said miserably , `` not -- not in that way , Jack . Oh , do n't ever say anything like this to me again . '' He let go of my hands then , white to the lips . `` Oh , do n't look like that , Jack , '' I entreated . `` I ca n't help it , '' he said in a low voice . `` But I wo n't bother you again , dear . It was foolish of me to expect -- to hope for anything of the sort . You are a thousand times too good for me , I know . '' `` Oh , indeed I 'm not , Jack , '' I protested . `` If you knew how horrid I am , really , you 'd be glad and thankful for your escape . Oh , Jack , I wish people never grew up . '' Jack smiled sadly . `` Do n't feel badly over this , Kitty . It is n't your fault . Good night , dear . '' He turned my face up and kissed me squarely on the mouth . He had never kissed me since the summer before he went away to college .
Somehow it did n't seem a bit the same as it used XXXXX ; it was -- nicer now .
If at for in like of on over since to