"You can't? It's the first time it's been noticeable, then. What's responsible for this all-of-a-sudden change of heart?"
"That's what's responsible." The words spoke themselves almost against his will.
"What—change of heart?"
"Yes," he said sullenly.
"You're very obscure. Am I to understand that you've taken a sudden dislike to me, so that you can't treat me with decent civility?"
"You know that isn't so."
"Surely"—she caught her breath sharply, paused for an instant, then went on—"surely you don't mean the converse!"
"I've always understood women knew what men meant before the men did, themselves." His voice broke a little. "Oh, can't you see how it is with me? Can't you see?" he cried. "God forgive me! I never meant to inflict this on you, at such a time! I don't know why I have...."
"You mean," she stammered in a voice of amaze—"you mean—love?"
"Can you doubt it?"