The words dropped clear through her stillness, vibrating. His eyes went from her, evading the issue. Her voice came with a sharper stress.
"I must know. Do you care for her?"
"Yes."
"And that's why she's going?"
"Yes. That's why she's going. Did Eliot say anything?"
"No. He only told me to ask you. He said you'd tell me the truth."
"I have told you the truth. I'm sorry, Maisie."
"I know you're sorry. So am I."
"But, you see, it isn't as if I'd begun after I married you. I've cared for her all my life."
"Then why didn't you marry her?"