It couldn't be helped.

There was nothing for him to do.

I was sorry--I'm sorrier now----" He checked himself, hesitated, turned his troubled eyes on Ailsa.
"I _did_ like him so much." "Don't you like him--still ?" "Yes--_I_ do.

I don't know what was the matter with that man.

He went all to pieces." "W-what!" "Utterly.