"I thought not."
"I tried to—I mean I wasn't kept back by loyalty to you—you mustn't think that. But she wouldn't let me."
"I thought she wouldn't."
Eugene began to understand his state of mind. In another man such confidence would have made him angry; but he had only pity for Stafford.
"I must try and make him understand," he thought.
"Charley," he began, "I don't think you quite follow, and it's not very easy to explain. She didn't refuse me."
"Well, no, if you didn't ask," said Stafford, with a slight smile.
"And she didn't stop me in—in that way. Look here, old fellow; it's no use beating about the bush. I believe she means to have me."
Stafford said nothing.
"But I don't say that to put you off going, because I'm not sure. But I believe she does. And you ought to know what I think. I tell you all I know."