"I'm sorry, Gabriele. That was—" He halted.
"Out of order," she filled in.
"Okay, a bit." Looking at the lifeless thing in the bed he spoke diffidently, unsure of his words. "I would be honored if you would marry me. Now, get out of bed and let's talk about it—take an Aspirin if your head hurts."
"That doesn't work with these things. What works you had me flush down the toilet like an ignoramus."
"Where did you get it from? One of your Johns?"
She laughed bitterly. "No, I don't want to marry someone this ignorant and insensitive."
"So what's this been if you don't love me."
"I care about you."
"What's the difference?"
"I'm tempted to say none, but that isn't it. Most people wouldn't agree with me but I'd say that being in love is psychosomatic and caring is real; so yes, I love you in a real way but I won't marry you. I won't be owned by a man and I won't feel lost to him."