He pressed his hand hard at his side again.
“But maybe that's only mother's love, and what mother——”
He broke off and then began once more, in a voice so low that it was scarcely to be heard. “Tell me, when the time comes—and it will come, Kate, have no fear about that——”
He was breaking down, he was struggling hard. “When the time comes for himself and you to be together, will you be afraid to have the little one with you—will it seem wrong, Kate—you two and little Katherine—one household—one family—no?—n—o?”
“No.”
“That's enough.”
The words seemed to come out of the depths of his throat. “I've nothing more to think about. He must think of all the rest.”
“And you, Pete?”
“What matter about me? D'ye think there's anything worse coming? D'ye think I'm caring what I ate, and what I drink, and what becomes of me?”
He was laughing again, and her sobs broke out afresh.