"You think I am as absurd—as—as—I am beastly?" he asked.
"No—I couldn't think like that—at least, not at the bottom. I understand too well."
"You understand?" He stared at her hungrily. "What do you understand?"
"That you would have been glad to have acted—and felt differently."
He nodded.
"I would have been their friend—a good friend. It's too late now."
"Yes—too late. I can see that——"
It grew still between them. Once he moved suddenly, testing her, but her eyes and hand were unwavering, and he dropped back into his old position.
As the time passed blue shadows darkened her eyes and crept about her mouth. She seemed to grow smaller and paler, and a kind of wonder came into his patient watchfulness of her—an almost pitying admiration.
"Spare yourself!" he whispered.