She glanced about the room, and, before he could again speak, had risen to ring the bell.
'You always take coffee, I think ?' Without troubling to give any assent, he moved apart and turned over some books on the table.

For full five minutes there was silence.

The coffee was brought; he tasted it and put his cup down.

Seeing that Rhoda had, as it were, entrenched herself behind the beverage, and would continue to sip at is as long as might be necessary, he went and stood in front of her.
'Miss Nunn, I am more serious than you will give me credit for being.
The sentiment, as you call it, has troubled me for some time, and will last.' Her refuge failed her.

The cup she was holding began to shake a little.
'Please let me put it aside for you.' Rhoda allowed him to do so, and then locked her fingers.
'I am so much in love with you that I can't keep away from this house more than a few days at a time.