She hardly knew what to say.

It seemed like the forerunner of something absolutely serious, which she did not wish.

Forcing herself to speak, therefore, in the hope of putting it by, she calmly said, "You are quite in the right; it was most natural to pay your visit, then"-- He was silent.

She believed he was looking at her; probably reflecting on what she had said, and trying to understand the manner.

She heard him sigh.