"No—no! It matters too much—let me go, it only makes it worse!"
"Makes what worse?"
"Parting—"
"We will not part. I will not let you go!"
But still she struggled with her hands and he, fearing to hurt them in his grasp, let them slip away with a lingering touch.
"Get up," she said. "Sit here, beside me—a little further—there. We can talk better so."
"I cannot talk at all—"
"Without holding my hands?"
"Why should I not?"
"Because I ask you. Please, dear—"