"You look like a man lost." "Yes, lost!" he echoed.

"All lost--all lost--and for nothing!" Silence followed for a long time.

Then he roused himself, and looked at her.

Claudia's eyes were full of tears.
"It's not your fault, my sweet lady," he said gently.

"You are pure and bright and beautiful, as you ever were, and I have raved and frightened you.