"Well, then--? Haven't we only got to stay free?"

Susy drew her brows together anxiously. It was going to be
rather more difficult than she had supposed.

"I said I was as free in that respect. I'm not going to
marry--and I don't suppose you are?"

"God, no!" he ejaculated fervently.

"But that doesn't always imply complete freedom ...."

He stood just above her, leaning his elbow against the hideous
black marble arch that framed his fireless grate. As she
glanced up she saw his face harden, and the colour flew to hers.

"Was that what you came to tell me?" he asked.

"Oh, you don't understand--and I don't see why you don't, since
we've knocked about so long among exactly the same kind of
people." She stood up impulsively and laid her hand on his arm.
"I do wish you'd help me--!"

He remained motionless, letting the hand lie untouched.

"Help you to tell me that poor Ursula was a pretext, but that
there IS someone who--for one reason or another--really has a
right to object to your seeing me too often?"