"Ah, you are so violent—you take things so very unpleasantly—that one is quite afraid to speak."

"You mean something"—sternly. "I apologize to you if I was rough a moment since. I—it was so sudden—I forgot myself, I think."

"To be able to forget is a most excellent thing—at times," says she, with a curious smile, her eyes hidden. "If I were you I should cultivate it."

"It?"

"The power to forget—at times!"

"Speak," says he. "It is not a moment for sneers. Of what would you warn me?"

"I have told you before, but you took it badly."

"Words—words," says he, frowning.

"Would you have deeds?" She breaks into a low laugh. "Oh, how foolish you are! Why don't you let things go?"

"What did you mean?" persists he icily.