"I ... when you have nothing left—" Then she lifted her head in a proud gesture and said, "Should it matter to you?"
For a moment Val had the look of a man struck. Then it was gone and he said in an emotionless voice:
"No. I was asking about something that is only your husband's business. I won't do it again."
He turned away, back to his cabin.
"Val—" She took a quick step after him, the proud air gone and her arms outstretched. "I didn't mean—"
He turned back, his tone politely questioning.
"Yes?"
"I only wanted—" Then her arms dropped and the life went out of her voice. "What does it matter ... what does anything matter?"
She hurried into her cabin and the door closed behind her.