[Lowers his voice.] We have had children—Aline and I.
[Looks eagerly at him.] Have you—?
Two little boys. They were of the same age.
Twins, then.
Yes, twins. It's eleven or twelve years ago now.
[Cautiously.] And so both of them—? You have lost both the twins, then?
[With quiet emotion.] We kept them only about three weeks. Or scarcely so much. [Bursts forth.] Oh, Hilda, I can't tell you what a good thing it is for me that you have come! For now at last I have some one to talk to!
Can you not talk to—her, too?
Not about this. Not as I want to talk and must talk. [Gloomily.] And not about so many other things, either.
[In a subdued voice.] Was that all you meant when you said you need me?