She hurriedly spoke first.
'You are leaving London very suddenly, Henry.

Is it business?
or pleasure ?' Instead of answering her, he pointed to the flaming letter, and to some black ashes of burnt paper lying lightly in the lower part of the fireplace.
'Are you burning letters ?' 'Yes.' 'His letters ?' 'Yes.' He took her hand gently.

'I had no idea I was intruding on you, at a time when you must wish to be alone.

Forgive me, Agnes--I shall see you when I return.' She signed to him, with a faint smile, to take a chair.
'We have known one another since we were children,' she said.

'Why should I feel a foolish pride about myself in your presence?
why should I have any secrets from you?
I sent back all your brother's gifts to me some time ago.