But really I don't think it matters if he does." Steel stared; it was wonderful to her to see his face.
"It doesn't matter ?" he repeated in angry astonishment.
"Not to me," rejoined Rachel, bitterly.

"You tell me nothing.

What can matter to me?
When you can tell me why you felt compelled to marry me--when you have the courage to tell me that--other things may begin to matter again!" Steel stared harder than before; he did not flinch, but his eyes seemed to hedge together as he stared, and the glittering light in them to concentrate in one baleful gleam.

Yet it was not a cruel look; it was the look of a man who has sealed his lips upon one point for ever, and who views any questioning on that point as an attempt upon his treasury.
There was more of self-defence than of actual hostility in the compressed lips, the bloodless face, the glaring eyes.

Then, with a shrug, the look, the resentment, and the passion were shaken off, and Steel stepped briskly to the inner door, which he had shut in Rachel's path.