I've all the misery I can carry at present; and if you wish to help me, don't make any demands on me until I'm clear of the tangle that's choking me." "Dear, I only wanted to help you--" she stammered, appalled at his tone and words.
"All right, then, let me alone!" he snarled, losing all self-command.
"I've stood about all of this I'm going to, from you and your brother both! Is that plain?
I want to be let alone.

That is plainer still, isn't it ?" "Yes," she said.

Her face had become deathly white; she stood frozen, motionless, clutching the receiver in her small hand.
His voice altered as he spoke again: "Don't feel hurt; I lost my temper and I ask your pardon.

But I'm half crazy with worry--you've seen to-day's papers, I suppose--so you can understand a man's losing his temper.

Please forgive me; I'll try to see you when I can--when it's advisable.