that I love you more. That is why I am not sure. That is why I so quickly take it back and do not know.

“I’d die of shame if through act of mine any man pitied Dick. Truly, I would. Of all things ghastly, I can think of none so ghastly as Dick being pitied. He has never been pitied in his life. He has always been top-dog — bright, light, strong, unassailable. And more, he doesn’t deserve pity. And it’s my fault� and yours, Evan.”

She abruptly thrust Evan’s hand away.

“And every act, every permitted touch of you, does make him pitiable. Don’t you see how tangled it is for me? And then there is my own pride. That you should see me disloyal to him in little things, such as this — ” (she caught his hand again and caressed it with soft finger-tips)