She rallied her will-power.

“I don’t know what to say to you. I suppose I am feeling very weak.”

He rushed into self-accusation.

“There, I’ve been a selfish beast. I oughtn’t to have come and upset you like this. But I couldn’t help telling you.”

“I know. It hasn’t hurt me. But you have offered me such a big thing, that I am trying to realise it all. I don’t think I’m made for marriage.”

“Oh, don’t say that! I know I’m a blundering idiot!”

“No, no, it is not you! It is marriage.”

“You don’t believe in marriage?”

“Not that. I mean, for myself. I don’t think I could make you understand why.”

He looked puzzled and distressed.