She hardly knew what she was saying. Her cheeks were scarlet, her eyes were feverish. Kettering stifled a sigh.
"Perhaps it is as well that we were interrupted," he said very gently.
He took her hand and looked down into her eyes.
"You're so young," he said, "such a child still. Don't spoil all your life, my dear."
She raised defiant eyes.
"My life was spoilt on my wedding day," she said in a hard voice.
"I—— Oh, don't let us talk about it."
But he did not let her hand go.
"It's not too late to go back and begin again," he said with an effort. "I know it—it must seem presumptuous for me to talk to you like this, but—but I would give a great deal to be sure that you were happy."
"Thank you." There was a little quiver in her voice, but she checked it instantly. She dragged her hand free and walked to the door.
It was quite dark now; she was glad that he could not see the tears in her eyes.
"When shall I see you again?" she asked presently.