“And where would you go if you left me?”
“Oh!” she cried.
He was at her side in an instant.
“Lydia—Lydia—you know I didn’t mean it; I couldn’t mean it! But you’ve driven me out of my senses; I don’t know what I’m saying. Can’t you get out of this labyrinth of self-torture? It’s destroying us both.”
“That’s why I must leave you.”
“How easily you say it!” He drew her hands down and made her face him. “You’re very scrupulous about yourself—and others. But have you thought of me? You have no right to leave me unless you’ve ceased to care—”
“It’s because I care—”
“Then I have a right to be heard. If you love me you can’t leave me.”
Her eyes defied him.
“Why not?”