He wrung her hand and said cheerfully:
‘Well, it’s something to be going on with. It’s a great deal more than I deserve. Of course I don’t expect you to feel romantic about me. Nobody could feel romantic about me, anyway.’
‘Oh, I think lots of people could. I’m sure they could,’ she said; and felt suddenly ashamed. For indeed he was a man whom many women might love. What right had she to take him?
‘Well, I don’t want them to,’ he said. ‘Your liking’s more than enough for me.’
‘Oh, Martin! I promise you, at any rate, I wish I were in love with you.’
‘Mightn’t that be the first step?’ he said smiling.
‘No, no,’ she answered lightly. ‘I’ve finished with falling in love. I was in love once.’
‘When?’
‘Years ago! It doesn’t amuse me. I reject it. Never again....’ She felt her lips start to curl and quiver, and stopped: then added in the same bantering tone: ‘Foolishness. That’s what it is. And as far as you are concerned, it would seem almost incestuous.’
‘Don’t use horrid words.’ He sat up, amused but startled.