"I want you to know what it means to me."
"Then why do it?"
"I—I've thought it all out. It's the best thing I can do—for you—for myself——"
"I ought to be a judge of that."
His dark eyes sought her face for a meaning.
"It's curious you didn't consult me," she went on. "I hope I know what's best for myself——"
"You mean that you don't care—my presence is unimportant. My absence will be even less important."
"I do care," she insisted. "What's the use of my telling you. I'll be very unhappy without you."
He shook his head and smiled. "Oh, I know—you'll miss me as you would your afternoon tea if it was denied you—but you'll do without it."
"I'm quite fond of afternoon tea, Cort." And then, more seriously, "Are you really resolved?"