You may not be able to see my husband's nobleness, but at least you can be silent." Lois pushed her hand away, and stared at her in amazement.

"I didn't mean to offend you," she stammered.

"I only meant that he"-- "Do not speak of him!" Helen said passionately, her breath still quick, and her face white to the lips.

"I do not wish to hear what you meant! Oh, Lois, Lois, I thought that you"-- She turned away, and pressed her hands hard on her eyes a moment; then she said, "I understand--I know--your affection for me prompted it--but I cannot listen, Lois, if you have such feelings about him.

I will take your sympathy for granted after this.