Noiselessly he passed over the low windowsill and before she even knew that he was there, fell to his knees beside her.
"Beth," he whispered. "Don't—child—don't!"
She straightened, startled and incredulous at the sight of him, and tried to move away, but he caught one of her hands and with bent head gently laid his lips upon it.
"Don't, Beth—please. I can't bear to see you cry——"
"I—I'm not crying," she stammered helplessly, while she winked back her tears, "I—I've just—just got the—the—stomachache."
She tried to laugh—failing dismally in a sob.
"Oh, Beth—don't——" he whispered.
"I—I can't help it—if I—I've got a—a pain," she evaded him.
"But I can," he murmured. "It's in your heart, Beth. I'm sorry for everything. Forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive."