“I can’t,” he said hoarsely. “Don’t ask me to come and talk to you—about that.”
“Well, then, come and talk to me about other things.”
“I can’t. If I come I must talk about what you remind me of.”
She hesitated, looking at him critically.
“Phil, you’re an idiot,” she said at last.
“Thanks,” he replied, “I’m aware of it.”
“Are you going to give up?”
“I’ve given up.”
Nellie Pennington shrugged. “For good? You’re going to let—Oh, I’ve no patience with you.”
“I’m sorry. You did what you could and I’m thankful. Don’t think I’m ungrateful. I’m not. One of these days I’ll prove it. You did a lot. I’m awake, Nellie. You woke me and I’m not going to sleep again.”