of circumstances over which you have no more power than man has over the
run of the tides. But we'll let that pass. I'm trying to help you,
Sophie, not to discourage you. There are some situations in which, and
some natures to whom, half a loaf is worse than no bread. Do you feel,
have you ever for an hour felt that you simply couldn't face an
existence in which Tommy Ashe had no part?"

Sophie put her arm around his neck, and her fingers played a tattoo on
his shoulder.

"No," she said at last. "I can't honestly say that I've ever been
overwhelmed with a feeling like that."

"Well, there you are," Carr observed dryly. "Between the propositions I
think you've answered your own question."

The girl's breast heaved a little and her breath went out in a
fluttering sigh.

"Yes," she said gravely. "I suppose that is so."

They sat silent for an interval. Then something wet and warm dropped on
Carr's hand. He looked up quickly.

"Does it hurt?" he said softly. "I'm sorry."

"So am I," she whispered. "But chiefly, I think, I am sorry for Tommy.
_He'd_ be perfectly happy with me."

"Yes, I suppose so," Carr replied. "But you wouldn't be happy with him,