Her fibres had been softened by suffering, and the sudden glimpse into his mocked and broken life disarmed her contempt for his weakness.
"I am very sorry for you--I would help you willingly; but you must have other friends, other advisers." "I never had a friend like you," he answered simply.

"And besides--can't you see ?--you're the only person"-- his voice dropped to a whisper--"the only person who knows." Again she felt her colour change; again her heart rose in precipitate throbs to meet what she felt was coming.

He lifted his eyes to her entreatingly.

"You do see, don't you?
You understand?
I'm desperate--I'm at the end of my tether.

I want to be free, and you can free me.