He looked at her in doubt. Could she in any way have learnt what had come to pass? Whilst talking, he had made up his mind to disclose nothing definitely; he would explain his behaviour merely as arising from doubt of himself. It would make the rest easier for her to bear hereafter.
'I have read those letters again,' he answered.
'And you have learnt that you never loved me?'
He held his eyes down, unable to utter words. Beatrice also was silent for a long time. At length she said—
'I think you are keeping something from me?'
He raised his face.
'Has nothing else happened?' she asked, with measured tone, a little sad, nothing more.
The truth was forced from him, and its utterance gave him a relief which was in itself a source of new agitation.
'Yes, something else has happened.'
'I knew it.'