'She went away from you, then?'
The momentary softening had vanished out of Geoffrey Stonor's face. In its stead the look of aloofness that few dared brave, the warning 'thus far and no farther' stamped on every feature, he answered—
'You can hardly expect me to enter into——'
She broke through the barrier without ruth—such strength, such courage has honest pain.
'You mean she went away from you?'
'Yes!' The sharp monosyllable fell out like a thing metallic.
'Was that because you wouldn't marry her?'
'I couldn't marry her—and she knew it.' He turned on his heel.
'Did you want to?'
He paused nearly at the window, and looked back at her. She deserved to have the bare 'yes,' but she was a child. He would soften a little the truth's harsh impact upon the young creature's shrinking jealousy.