Hugh was walking up and down the floor a most unusual sign of perturbation with him. He met and stopped her as she came in.
"Fleda, I cannot bear it. What is the matter? Do you know?" he said, as her eyes fell.
"Yes "
"What is it?"
She was silent, and tried to pass on to the fire. But he stayed her.
"What is it?" he repeated.
"Oh, I wish I could keep it from you!" said Fleda, bursting into tears.
He was still a moment; and then, bringing her to the arm- chair, made her sit down, and stood himself before her, silently waiting, perhaps because he could not speak, perhaps from the accustomed gentle endurance of his nature. But Fleda was speechless too.
"You are keeping me in distress," he said, at length.
"I cannot end the distress, dear Hugh," said Fleda.