He hesitated throughout his being, seeking an excuse:
“I don’t know,” he answered, softly. “You will forgive me, will you not? One day it was this, another day that. And then ... I don’t know. Many reasons together. It is not good that I should see you often. Not good for you, nor for me.”
“Let us begin with the second. Why is it not good for you?”
“No, let us begin with the first, with what concerns you. People ...”
“People are talking about us. I am looked upon as an irretrievable rake. I will not have your name linked profanely with mine.”
“And is it?”
“Yes....”
She smiled:
“I don’t mind.”