His eyes were on the ground.

He seemed reluctant even to look at her.
"I think I understand," she went on, "why Oscar was unwilling to tell me----" she stopped, at a loss how to express herself without running the risk of hurting his feelings--"to tell me," she resumed, "what it is in you which is not like other people.

He was afraid my stupid weakness might prejudice me against you.

I wish to say that I won't let it do that.

I never was more ashamed of it than now.