“I’ve not so much pride left you need think you have to say that to save it,” she burst forth.
“You are the one not true now. You know it, you have known it right along. I hadn’t even the arts of your world to know how to conceal it.”
“My world!” said Alexina.
“Very well; let’s both be honest. I’ve fought it because I’ve had enough decency to see the impossibility—oh, my God!—what’s the use being fool enough to talk about it. I haven’t one cent on earth that’s my own; I’m worse than a beggar, if we are going to be quite honest about matters, since I am a debtor.”
“Oh,” said Alexina; “oh, don’t.”
“I fought it out, or thought I had, down there in the glades, and then got up and came back because I couldn’t let you go—without—”
“I’m glad,” said Alexina, “I’m glad.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“I do know,” said the girl. “I’m glad, I’m glad—”
“Alexina!”