Without looking at her he said: "You're right. I'm poisonous ... but I love you. I'm the wrong man, but I love you. It's too quick ... only a few hours, but I love you. I hate too much, I hurt too much because I'm poisonous.... And I love you. I'd better go now. Goodnight."
He searched blindly for his coat, ashamed to meet her eyes, and the real Lennox appeared, the Lennox she had seen by candle-light two hours ago.
"Oh!" Gabby exclaimed in tears, "Oh darling ... darling! Why did you hide from me? Why?"
He caught his breath. She came to him and he took her in his arms. After a moment he managed to speak.
"Is this how it happens? Has it happened again?"
She clung to him.
"Now I'm frightened, Gabby."
"Why did you hide from me? Why did you change like that? You were so cold and hateful...."
"I didn't know I was hiding. I didn't know what I was doing. I've been half crazy all day." He raised her hand and pressed it against his eyes. "I dreamed about meeting you, but not like this. I was going to be at my best. You know? Brilliant and successful. Scattering money and charm in all directions. Winning you ... not whining my way into your heart."
"No. No. You don't understand. No one wants to be won. We want to be wanted.... Needed."