He didn't know it, but he had given her the most fascinating answer that a man can give a young girl.
"If you are not worth it," she said tremulously, "you can become so."
"No, I never can."
"Why do you say that? No matter what a man has done—a young man—such as you—he can become worthy again of a girl's friendship—if he wishes to."
"I never could become worthy of yours."
"Why? What have you done? I don't care anyway. If you—if you want my—my friendship you can have it."
"No," he groaned, "I am sunk too low to even dream of it! You don't know—you don't know what you're saying. I am beyond the pale!"
He clutched his temples and shuddered. For a moment she gazed at him piteously, then her timid hand touched his arm.
"I can't bear to see you in despair," she faltered, "—you who have been so good to me.[246] Please don't be unhappy—because—I want you to be happy——"
"I can never be that."