"I can't tell you how I feel for you," he said huskily. "I can't give you an idea how deeply, how earnestly I sympathise!"
"Don't say anything," she murmured; "you needn't try; I think I understand to-night—you proved your sympathy while my claim on it was least."
"And you'll let me help you?"
The slender figure stood motionless; behind her the man was gripping the leather of his chair.
"If I may," she said constrainedly, "if I can go there like—as you——Ah, if the past can all be buried and there needn't be any reminder of what has been?"
"I'll be everything you wish, everything you'd have me seem!"
He took a sudden step towards her. She turned, her eyes humid with tears, with thankfulness—with entreaty. He stopped short, drew back, and resumed his seat.
"Now, what is it you were saying about Ellen?" he asked shortly.
And perhaps it was the most eloquent avowal he had ever made her of his love.