"You are not at liberty to explain it, are you?"
"No."
Helen bent and laid her hand on Stephanie's hair:
"I'm sorry. I knew you were falling in love. There seemed to be no help for either of you."
"No, no help. One can't help one's heart's inclinations. The only thing we can control is our behaviour."
"Steve, are you unhappy?"
"I'm beginning to be.... I didn't think I would be—it's so wonderful.... But the seriousness of love reveals itself sooner or later.... A girl begins to understand.... All we want is to give, if we're in love.... It's tragic when we can't." She turned her face abruptly and laid one arm across her eyes.
Helen sank to her knees again and laid her cool face against Stephanie's flushed cheek.
"Darling," she said, "there must be some way for you."
"No honourable way."