"I am deeply grateful. But let me explain."
"Don't think it an obligation, Mr. Pether. There seems to be some little mystery about the matter, and I do not want to pry into your affairs."
"I wish you would."
"Why?"
"Because then I could feel that you took an interest in me."
"Believe me, I do—a deep interest."
I groped and found her hand. It pressed mine with a slight tremble.
"You pity me because I am blind."
"I am deeply grieved for your misfortune."
"Ah"—I dropped the hand, and sighed regretfully—"only pity. But, then, what else could I expect?"