I dare say you did it unconsciously." "Thank you.

You are very charitable, but I cannot shield myself under the supposition that at eight-and-thirty I am a creature of impulse, unconscious of the meaning of my own actions." "If that is the case," thought Ruth, "your behavior to me has been inexcusable, especially the last few days; though, fortunately for myself, I was not deceived by it." "If you persist in keeping silence," said Charles, after waiting for her to speak, "any possibility of conversation is at an end." "I did not come out here for conversation," replied Ruth.

"I came, not by my own wish, to hear something you said you particularly desired to say.

Do you not think the simplest thing, under the circumstances, would be--to say it ?" He gave a short laugh, and looked at her in sheer desperation.

Did she know what she was pushing him into?
"I had forgotten," he said.