"But—but—why?" stammered Peace, thunder-struck by this uncompromising declaration.
"Because you have everything I need, and I can't have anything."
"You have good legs," Peace wistfully whispered.
"And you have good hands," her companion shot forth.
"Hands!" Peace all at once became aware of the bandages which hid that other pair of hands from sight. "Wh—hat's the matter with yours? Did you hurt them? Have you got any?"
"Apologies!" Her voice was harsh with intense bitterness, her eyes were dull with despair.
"Apologies?" Peace failed to understand.
"They are useless. I burned them," explained the other hopelessly.
"But won't they ever be any good?" Peace persisted, her eyes wide with horror.