And I care more for your regard than you seem willing to recognise--" "I am very glad to--" "Listen, Kelly.

Can't we be honest with ourselves and with each other?
Because--our being here, now--my leaving that place in the way I did--surprises me.

I want to find out why there has been confusion, constraint, somewhere--there is _something_ to clear up between us--I have felt that, vaguely, at moments; now I _know_ it.

Let us try to find out what it is, what is steadily undermining our friendship." "Nothing, Valerie," he said, smiling.

"I am as fond of you as ever.