The conversation still hung fire.
"Ann," he said, made a movement with his hands that suggested appeal, and advanced a step.
Ann shook her head more defiantly, and became defensive.
"Look here, Ann," said Kipps. "I been a fool."
They stared into each other's miserable eyes.
"Ann," he said. "I want to marry you."
Ann clutched the table edge. "You can't," she said faintly.
He made as if to approach her around the table, and she took a step that restored their distance.
"I must," he said.
"You can't."