"It was the best thing you could do.

He may not be exactly showy, but he's respectable.

I wonder you want to speak to me after the way I let you down." The words were cool, almost casual; yet his hand still held hers in a quivering grasp.

There was something in that grasp that seemed to plead for understanding.

He flashed her a swift look from eyes that burned with a fitful, feverish fire out of deep hollows.