When I turned the last page of the manuscript and looked up , Miss Sylvia 's soft brown eyes were full of tears . She lifted her hands , clasped them together and said in an agitated voice : `` Oh , no , no ; do n't let him go away without telling her -- just telling her . Do n't let him do it ! '' `` But , you see , Miss Sylvia , '' I explained , flattered beyond measure that my characters had seemed so real to her , `` that would spoil the story . It would have no reason for existence then . Its motif is simply his mastery over self . He believes it to be the nobler course . '' `` No , no , it was n't -- if he loved her he should have told her . Think of her shame and humiliation -- she loved him , and he went without a word and she could never know he cared for her . Oh , you must change it -- you must , indeed ! I can not bear to think of her suffering what I have suffered . '' Miss Sylvia broke down and sobbed . To appease her , I promised that I would remodel the story , although I knew that the doing so would leave it absolutely pointless . `` Oh , I 'm so glad , '' said Miss Sylvia , her eyes shining through her tears . `` You see , I know it would make her happier -- I know it . I 'm going to tell you my poor little story to convince you . But you -- you must not tell it to any of the others . '' `` I am sorry you think the admonition necessary , '' I said reproachfully . `` Oh , I do not , indeed I do not , '' she hastened to assure me . `` I know I can trust you .
But it 's such a poor little XXXXX .
characters eyes humiliation manuscript measure motif others story tears voice