"What? I can't understand."
"I can't explain, either. And I musn't tell you. It's going to drive me crazy to keep still, but I must not tell."
"You can tell me;" his tone was suddenly authoritative again (quite thrilling its young listener).
"No, I can't. I can't tell any one," but her tone was wavering, with a catch in its note.
Ingram became instantly imperious.
"Yes, you can tell me! You must tell me! It will relieve your mind, and perhaps I can help Alva."
"No, you can't help her; she doesn't want to be helped."
"Well, I can help you, anyway. Just telling me will help you."
Lassie choked.
"Tell me at once," said Ingram, sternly; "I insist upon knowing."