"Has she said anything?"
"She only mentioned it this morning, but I've noticed."
"It was very kind of you," he repeated; "I'm much obliged."
Both suffered slightly from the consciousness of suppression; and after a few seconds she said boldly:
"Dr. Kincaid, if you're staying away with any idea of sparing embarrassment to me, I beg that you won't."
"Well, of course," he said, "I thought you'd rather I didn't come."
"But do you suppose I can consent to keep you from your mother's house? You must see ... the responsibility of it! What I should like to know is, are you staying away solely for my sake?"
"I didn't wish to intrude my trouble on you."
"No," she said; "that isn't what I mean. I am glad I have met you; I want to speak to, you plainly. I have thought that perhaps it hurt you to come; that my being there reminded—that you didn't like it? If that's so——"
"I think you're exaggerating the importance of the thing! It is very nice and womanly of you, but you are making yourself unhappy for nothing. I have had a good deal to occupy me of late—in future I'll go oftener."