"Yes! Don't use such words! You looked like a big schoolboy, asleep-that is what you resembled. But I knew you to be a real man."
"You are merciful, but I know what you went through," he said morosely.
She paid no attention: "I liked you instantly. I thought to myself,
'Now when he wakes he'll be what he looks like.' And you are!"
He stirred in his chair, sideways, and glanced at her.
"You know what I think about you, don't you?"
"No." She shouldn't have let their words drift thus far and she knew it. Also at this point she should have diverted the conversation. But she remained silent, aware of an indefinite pleasure in the vague excitement which had quickened her pulse a little.
"Well, I shan't tell you," he said quietly.
"Why not?" And at that her heart added a beat or two.
"Because, even if I were different, you wouldn't wish me to."
"Why?"