“That is impossible,” he declared uncompromisingly. “If you wish to alter my attitude with regard to it, you must tell me exactly from whom it comes, what it contains, and to whom it goes.”
“You ask more than is possible.. You make me almost sorry—”
“Sorry for what?”
“Sorry that I saved your life,” she said boldly. “Why should I not be? There are many who will suffer, many who will lose their lives because of your obstinacy.”
“If you believe that, confide in me.”
She shook her head sadly.
“If only you were different!”
“I am a human being,” he protested. “I have sympathies and heart. I would give my life willingly to save any carnage.”
“I could never make you understand,” she murmured hopelessly. “I shall not try. I dare not risk failure. Is this room hot, or is it my fancy? Could we have a window open?”
“By all means.”