"He told me a story, or as much of it as I could listen to. But that's not what I meant to speak about now. I want to say that—that I bury all that, deep, deep; only that I can't do it unless you consent to bury—"
"Everything there's been on your side. Is that it, Vio?"
"I shall ask no questions."
"Not even if I'm ready to answer them?"
"Not even if you're ready to answer them; but I shall expect you not to ask questions of me."
"So that between us there will be a gulf of silence."
She inclined her head without speaking.
"But why, Vio? Why?"
She swept up to me, throwing away her cigarette, and laying both her hands on my shoulders.
"Because, old boy, I'm your wife, and I'm trying to help you. I'm trying to help you because—because—"