"Will you let me walk with you?" he asked.
"Yes."
He made a step forwards, as though expecting her to turn back from her errand and go with him.
"Not that way," she said. "I must go to the post office first."
"No. Please don't." He placed himself in her way.
"I must."
She spoke emphatically and stood still, facing him, while their eyes met again, and neither spoke again for a few seconds.
"You are ruining your life," he said, after the pause. "When that letter is gone, you will never be able to get it back."
"I know. I shall not wish to."
"You will." His lips set themselves rather firmly as he opposed her, but her face darkened.