don't we? We've outgrown the delusions of boys and girls. We've had our
experiences as man and woman--eh? You know what I mean. No need to
mince matters--to go in for conventional nonsense--you and I. We can
talk straight to each other at a time like this?"

As he laboured painfully to explain, without explaining, her
face faded like a sunny landscape when a wet fog crawls over it. For,
Francie though it was, she loved him--she loved him all she knew.

"Guthrie," she moaned piteously, "have you left off caring for me?"

"No, Francie. Of course I haven't."

"Have you--while I have been away, and in so much trouble--been
putting another woman in my place?"

"Certainly not."

"Is it that you don't like to live on his money, Guthrie?"

"I should NOT like to live on it--decidedly not. But the fact is, I
haven't given the money a thought." "Then why--why are you like this?"

"I'll tell you, Francie--I'll tell you plainly. It seems infernally
brutal--but I'm sure you know I wouldn't say a thing to hurt you if I
could help it."

"Oh, go on!"

There were red roses in her cheeks now, and a sparkle that was not all