"I may go farther, Percy…. Tom loves me—very much!"
"It means that—you care for him—the same way?"
"He's given me something," Conny replied evasively, "something I never felt—just that way—before."
"Yes, Tom is of an emotional nature," Woodyard remarked dryly.
"You don't like Tom. Men wouldn't, I can understand. He isn't like most men…. But women like him!"
Then for a while they waited, until he spoke, a little wearily, dispassionately.
"You know, Con, I always want you to have everything that is best for you—that you feel you need to complete your life. We have been the best sort of partners, trying not to limit each other in any way…. I know I have never been enough for you, given you all that you ought to have, in some ways. I am not emotional, as Tom is! And you have done everything for me. I shall never forget that. So if another can do something for you, make your life happier, fuller,—you must do it, take it. I should be a beastly pig to interfere!"
He spoke evenly, and at the end he smiled rather wanly.
"I know you mean it, Percy,—every word. But I shouldn't want you to be unhappy," replied Conny, in a subdued voice.
"You need not think of me—if you feel sure that this is best for you."