I don't want to bring a stumbling block into your life." Astounded by this story of paternity, he began stammering vague phrases.
He had taken a chair and had sat down by the bed, leaning one arm on the coverlet.

Then the young woman noticed his wild expression, the blood reddening his eyes, the fever that set his lips aquiver.
"What's the matter then ?" she asked.

"You're ill too." "No," he answered with extreme difficulty.
She gazed at him with a profound expression.

Then she signed to Zoe to retire, for the latter was lingering round arranging the medicine bottles.

And when they were alone she drew him down to her and again asked: "What's the matter with you, darling?
The tears are ready to burst from your eyes--I can see that quite well.