"No. You ask too little of friendship."
"I do not wish to ask too much. Let me get clear of this affair if I can. If I can't—let me at least remember that I have not involved you in my—ruin."
"Your ruin!"
"Yes. It may come to that. I don't know. I don't know exactly what all this tangle means—what really threatens me, what I have to dread. But I am afraid—afraid!" Her voice became unsteady for a moment and she stared straight ahead of her at the yellow haze which loomed nearer and nearer above the suburbs of London.
He slipped one arm under hers, quietly, and his hand fell over both of hers, where they rested clasped tightly on her lap.
"This won't do," he said coolly. "You are not to be frightened whatever happens. We must go through with this affair, you and I. I know you have plenty of courage."
"Yes—except about you——"
"I stand or fall with you."
"Please, you must not——"
"I must and shall. Within the next few minutes you must regain your composure and self-command. Will you?"