Austin. I'm sorry to learn you've been ill.

Ruth. Oh! it's nothing.

Austin. Ah, I'm afraid it's a good deal. Will you forgive me if I say I think I know what it is!

[She looks up startled.

[After a moment.

You haven't forgotten the day of Jinny's and my wedding, when you told me Geoffrey Tillman needed a friend?

Ruth. I hoped you'd forgotten; I oughtn't to have told you; I oughtn't to have!

Austin. Why not? I had a talk with Geoffrey, then, and he told me everything.

Ruth. He did! You are sure?

Austin. Sure.