"I forgave you long ago. But I can't take you back. You know that well enough."
She made as if she had not heard him.
"I'll be good, Ranny. I want to be good."
He also made as if he had not heard.
"Why do you want me to take you back?"
"That's why. So as I can be good. Father's turned me out, Ranny."
"Your father?"
"I went to him first. I didn't think I'd any right to come to you—after I'd served you like I did."
"Oh, never mind how you served me. What's Mercier been doing?"
"He's got married."