"Not—not as friends?"
"That is what I said. We met first—you know how it was—it was no friendly meeting. And best if we could leave each other that way too."
"But why…?"
"Because—shall I tell you?"
"I want you to."
He looked her sharply and coldly in the eyes. "Because you have not been what I hoped you would. Ay, and thought you would. I was proud and happy when I knew I had won your friendship. But I thought I had won more than that—something warmer and deeper—a thing complete."
She was silent for a moment.
"Warm and deep—a thing complete?" she repeated. "Did you give that yourself?"
"No! But I could have done. I wished to—but you made it impossible. We have known each other now for a week—and what has come of it? I have scarcely dared to take your hand."
"But what more could you…?"