He said, sullen in his embarrassment: “I’m going to.”
“There was a time when you were not going to—just because I—your friends—told you to stick.”
Wint looked away from her. “Well, that’s all right,” he told her uncomfortably.
“There’s never any harm in having friends, Wint, and taking their advice,” she said.
The old impatience burst out for a moment. “Don’t preach,” he said harshly.
“I’m not going to preach.” She was afraid she had spoiled it all. But he reassured her, hot with shame at his own decency.
“It’s all right, Joan,” he said. “I know you mean to help. I’ll try.”
“Do try,” she echoed softly.
He nodded, and she watched him, and at last added:
“I’d like to have you come to see me some time.”