"I wish nothing with regard to either her or you," interrupts Tita, her breath coming a little quickly. "It is nothing to me. I do not care."
"Don't say that," says Rylton hoarsely. He is fighting his battle inch by inch. "Give me some hope! Is one sin to condemn a man for ever? I tell you all that is done. And you—if you love no one—give me a chance!"
"Why should I trouble myself so far?" says she, with infinite disdain.
At this Rylton turns away from her. He goes to the window, and stands there gazing out, but seeing nothing.
"You are implacable—cold, heartless," says he, in a low tone, fraught with hidden meaning.
"Oh, let us leave hearts out of the discussion," cries Tita scornfully. "And, indeed, why should we have any discussions? Why need we talk to each other at all? This interview"— clenching her handkerchief into a ball—"what has it done for us? It has only made us both wretched!" She takes a step nearer to him. "Do—do promise me you will not seek another."
"I cannot promise you that."
"No?" She turns back again. "Well—go away now, at all events," says she, sighing.
"Not until I have said what is on my mind," says Rylton, with determination.
"Well, say it"—frowning.