I don't know why I am so weak--I--I am still anxious about Mrs.Forsythe, you know; the long journey for her"-- "Of course," he assured her.

"I know how it startled you." She turned to go into the house, and Gifford followed her, first picking up the neglected roses at her feet.
"I do not know what you think of me," she said tremulously.
"I only think you are not very strong," he answered tenderly, yet keeping his eyes from her averted face; he felt that he had seen more than he had a right to, already.

His first thought was to protect her from herself; she must not think she had betrayed herself, and fancy that Gifford had guessed her engagement.

He still hoped that, for the sake of their old friendship, she would freely choose to tell him.

But most of all, she should not feel that she had shown despairing love for a man who neglected and slighted her, and that her companion pitied her.