Now she was really his because now she needed him; but for him she would stand alone, deserted and afraid, in that future to which she had turned with such pitiable and childlike ignorance.

She and the fight were both in his hands, and he was bracing himself to resist until the end.
"I'll tell you if you wish," he said, "but you mustn't let it give you a sleepless night." As they turned a corner an electric light flashed into the darkness of the carriage lighting up her blonde hair and the sparkling diamonds which made her blue eyes look dull and lifeless.

"It is--is it anything about money ?" she asked with a movement toward him.
"It's about nothing more important than that consummate ass you were with," he answered, laughing as he reached out and took her hand in his with a friendly pressure.

"I've just found out that he's a blackguard, and I thought you were too precious to be left an instant longer in his company.

We must be careful, dear," he added.