"I am past help. But it will end you're caring for me. And from making me—care—for you. I must do it; this cannot go on—"
"Shiela!"
She faced him, white as death, looking at him blindly.
"I am trying to think of you—because you love me—"
Fright chilled her blood, killing pulse and colour. "I am trying to be kind—because I care for you—and we must end this before it ends us.... Listen to my miserable, pitiful, little secret, Mr. Hamil. I—I have—I am not—free."
"Not free!"
"I was married two years ago—when I was eighteen years old. Three people in the world know it: you, I, and—the man I married."
"Married!" he repeated, stupefied.
She looked at him steadily a moment.
"I think your love has been done to death, Mr. Hamil. My own danger was greater than you knew; but it was for your sake—because you loved me. Good night."