"What a singular answer to my question!" "Oh, it is n't an answer," said Acton.

"I have wished to ask you, many times.

I thought it probable you would tell me yourself.

The question, on my part, seems abrupt now; but it would be abrupt at any time." The Baroness was silent a moment; and then, "I think I have told you too much!" she said.
This declaration appeared to Acton to have a certain force; he had indeed a sense of asking more of her than he offered her.

He returned to the window, and watched, for a moment, a little star that twinkled through the lattice of the piazza.