It was not himself speaking.

It was another individual within him, a detached individual trying to explain his lack of physical expression.

He wanted to cry out his gladness, to shout with joy, yet the directing soul of action in him was stricken.

She touched his arm hesitatingly.
"I didn't think you would care," she said.

"I thought you wouldn't mind--if I came up here." Care! The word was like an explosion setting things loose in his brain, and the touch of her hand sent a sweep of fire through him.