Then that old self-mocking smile was on his lips.

He was laughing at his hurt--making sport of himself and his cruel predicament.
But to Helen there was that in his smile which wrung her woman heart.
"Oh, Larry," she said gently.

"Forgive me; I am so sorry; I--" He put out his hand with a gesture of protest, and his voice was calm and courteous.

"I beg your pardon, Helen.

It was stupid of me not to have understood.