He ordered tea. He talked rather forced platitudes for the rest of the time. He was just going to call for the bill, when Esther Shepstone said suddenly––
“Mr. Mellowes, I should like to tell you something.”
“Yes!” Micky did not look at her. Somehow he could not trust himself.
“I don’t in the least know why I want to tell you,” 37 she said again nervously. “But––you’ve been so kind to me....”
“Yes!” said Micky gently, as she paused. “Yes, what is it?”
She was twisting her teaspoon, and she kept her eyes lowered.
“Last night, when I met you––I was very unhappy ... There didn’t seem anything to live for in the world.... I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like that, or if you have ever cared for any one––really cared, I mean––but if you have....” She stopped again.
“I think I understand,” Micky said, with an effort. “You mean that there’s some one, some man....”
She raised her grey eyes to his face.
“Yes, that’s what I mean.”