"I wanted to speak to you about it before. I have seen for some time she was distressed."
"She only mentioned it this morning, but I've noticed."
"It was very kind of you," he repeated; "I'm much obliged."
Both suffered slightly from the consciousness of suppression; and after a few seconds she said boldly:
"Dr. Kincaid, if you're staying away with any idea of sparing embarrassment to me, I beg that you won't."
"Well, of course," he said, "I thought you'd rather I didn't come."
"But do you suppose I can consent to keep you from your mother's house? You must see ... the responsibility of it! What I should like to know is, are you staying away solely for my sake?"
"I didn't wish to intrude my trouble on you."
"No," she said; "that isn't what I mean. I am glad I have met you; I want to speak to, you plainly. I have thought that perhaps it hurt you to come; that my being there reminded--that you didn't like it? If that's so----"
"I think you're exaggerating the importance of the thing! It is very nice and womanly of you, but you are making yourself unhappy for nothing. I have had a good deal to occupy me of late--in future I'll go oftener."
"I feel very guilty," she answered. "If I am right in thinking it would be pleasanter for you to stay away than to go there and see me, my course is clear. It's not my home, you know; I'm in a situation, and it can be given up."
"You mustn't talk like that. I must have blundered very badly to give you such an idea. Don't let's stand here! Do you mind turning back a little way? If what I said to you obliged you to leave Westport, I should reproach myself for it bitterly."
They strolled slowly down the street; and during a minute each of the pair sought phrases.
"It's certain," she said abruptly, "that my being your mother's companion is quite wrong! If I weren't in the house you'd go there the same as you used to. I can't help feeling that."
"But I _will_ go there the same as I used to. I have said so."
"You'll go, but the fact remains that you'd rather not; and the cause of your reluctance is my presence there."
"It is you who are insisting on the reluctance," he fenced; "_I've_ not said I am reluctant. I thought you'd prefer me to avoid you for a while; personally----"