I have done my part." "I do not want to distress you," he said huskily.

"If I were to tell you why it is best for us to go on as we are, you would lose what little faith you may still have in me.

I have not always been able to conceal my feelings.

You do not care as I do,--and I have been pretty much of a rotter in showing you just how I feel from time to time,--an ordinary bounder, and God knows I hate the word,--so there's nothing more I can say without distressing and offending you.

I want you to feel perfectly secure so far as I am concerned.