"Do you think that is best?"
"I—do not think about it."
He said: "That, also, is best. Don't think of it at all. And about the armour, do exactly what you would do if you were in my place. Good-bye."
"Mr. Desboro——"
"Yes."
"Could you wait a moment? I am trying to think——"
"Don't try, Jacqueline!"
"Please wait—for me!"
There was a silence; a tiny spot of blood reddened his bitten lip before she spoke again; then:
"I wished to tell you something. I knew why you wrote. Is it right for me to tell you that I understood you? I wanted to write and say so, and—say something else—about how I felt—but it seems I can't. Only—we could be friends more easily now—if you wish."