It was no case for forgiveness." But she would not accept his indulgence.
"I was horrid," she protested, with a catch in her voice.

"Why are you so patient with me?
You never used to be." He did not answer her.

He seemed to regard the question as superfluous.
She drew a little nearer.

Her fingers fastened quivering upon his coat.
"Don't be too kind to me, Vivian," she said, her voice trembling.
"It--it isn't good for me." He took her by the wrists and drew her hands away.
"You want to tell me something," he said.

"What is it ?" She glanced upwards, meeting his look with sudden resolution.
"You asked me this afternoon why I was crying," she said.