“I will never see him. I have refused——”
“He has tried to see you?”
“I took care that he should not.”
“I don’t wish to seem unreasonable,” he said slowly; “I cannot bear to seem so to you. But—it would be for our happiness.”
“I assure you that I have no intention. I hope you will believe me.” His lips moved, but he did not look up. She rose. “I am very tired,” she said; “I think I will go now.” He got up immediately; the fog seemed in the room. She came and stood before him.
“Be patient with me,” she said. “Be kind to me. I shall try to do everything you wish.”
He made as if he would take her, but she drew back quickly.
“I should have told you all this before if I could have thought you would care—would allow it. Indeed, I have tried more than once, but you—Now, I am glad that you know me—but I am very tired.”
“Mary,” he said, and held out his hands to her. She looked into his face, then shut her eyes.
“I am very tired. Please let me go. Good-night.”