"I don't need you."
"Nevertheless, I intend to see you home."
"I don't—want you."
"Notwithstanding which—"
He hailed a passing motor-taxi, gave the chauffeur Martha's street and number, after he had succeeded in extracting them from Claire, and then, in spite of protests, helped her in.
For a long time she sat beside him in silence, trying to quell in herself a weak inclination to shed tears, because—because he had compelled her to do something against her will.
He did not attempt any conversation, and when, at last, she spoke, it was of her own accord.
"I've decided to resign my position."
"Is it permitted me to know why?"
"I can't stay."