Indeed, one of the traits in her which he found inexplicable and which he disliked was a curious fearlessness of death--not uncommon among women who, all their lives, have had little to live for.
She said: "If I am not worth a little risk, what is my value to you ?" "You talk like a baby," he retorted.

"Is an interview worth risking a scandal that will spatter the whole town ?" "I never count such risks," she said wearily.

"Do as you please." His voice became angry: "Haven't I enough to face already without hunting more trouble at present?
I supposed I could look to you for sympathy and aid and common sense, and every day you call me up and demand that I shall drop everything and fling caution to the winds, and meet you somewhere! Every day of the year you do it----" "I have been away ten days--" she faltered, turning sick and white at the words he was shouting through the telephone.
"Well, it was understood you'd stay for a month, wasn't it?
Can't you give me time to turn around?
Can't you give me half a chance?
Do you realise what I'm facing?
_Do_ you ?" "Yes.

I'm sorry I called you; I was so miserable and lonely----" "Well, try to think of somebody besides yourself.

You're not the only miserable person in this city.