It would be fine and beautiful for us to start empty-handed and build up together, if we were in sympathy and harmony.

But, doubting you--I can't." Again he looked at her uneasily, suspicious, without knowing why or what.
But one thing was clear--to plead further with her would be self-degradation.

"I have been tactless," he said to her.

"Probably, if I were less in earnest, I should get on better.

But, perhaps you will judge me more fairly when you think it over.