“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“I can’t help it,” he said. “I care for you so. I love you.”
She was silent for an instant.
“Again?” she then said, reproachfully.
He did not answer.
“I have told you, mine is not a passionate nature. I am cold. I love my husband and my child. Let’s be friends, Van Helderen.”
“I’m fighting against it; but it’s no use.”
“I’m fond of Ida; I wouldn’t make her unhappy for the world.”
“I don’t believe I was ever fond of her.”
“Van Helderen!...”