But Spence, upon occasion, could be a persistent man.
"Miss Desire," he said gravely, "do you absolutely decline my friendship ?" If she wanted directness, she was getting it now.
"How can I do otherwise ?" Her face was turned from him and her low voice was muffled by her hair.

But for the first time she had cast away her guard of light indifference.

"Friendship is impossible for me.

I thought you would see--and go away.

Nothing that you can do would be any real help.