But she rose again immediately, and stood, with drooping, averted head.

He had dropped her hand, but now sought to take it again.
"Maggie, darling, may I speak ?" Her lips moved, he saw, but he could not hear.

A pang of affright ran through him that, perhaps, she did not wish to listen.

"May I speak to you ?" he asked again, quite timidly.

She tried to make her voice sound, but it would not; so she looked round.