You used to be friends--you and Billy." The girl's voice still vibrated with reproach.
There was a moment's silence; then, a little harshly, the man said: "Perhaps--because I wanted to be more than--a friend--is why you're not satisfied with my interest now." A look that was almost terror came to Alice Greggory's eyes.

She flushed painfully, then grew very white.
"You mean--" "Yes," he nodded dully, without looking up.

"I cared too much for her.

I supposed Henshaw was just a friend--till too late." There was a breathless hush before, a little unsteadily, the girl stammered: "Oh, I'm so sorry--so very sorry! I--I didn't know." "No, of course you didn't.

I've almost told you, though, lots of times; you've been so good to me all these weeks." He raised his head now, and looked at her, frank comradeship in his eyes.
The girl stirred restlessly.