"Never mind, I've got to tackle it." Laura saw what he meant to say the moment that he entered the room, and the tightening of her features made it all the harder for Roger to think clearly, to remember the grave, kind, fatherly things which he had intended to tell her.
"I don't want to talk of the wedding, child, but of what's coming after that--between you and this man--all your life." He stopped short, with his heart in his mouth, for although he did not look at her he had a quick sensation as though he had struck her in the face.
"Isn't this rather late to speak about that?
Just now?
When I'm nervous enough as it is ?" "I know, I know." He spoke hurriedly, humbly.

"I should have talked to you long ago, I should have known you better, child.

I've been slack and selfish.

But it's better late than never." "But you needn't!" the girl exclaimed.

"You needn't tell me anything! I know more than you think--I know enough!" Roger looked at her, then at the wall.