That a relationship such as he had glanced at with desire could be possible between him and Katharine, he would have been the first, two days ago, to deny with indignation.

But now his life had changed; his attitude had changed; his feelings were different; new aims and possibilities had been shown him, and they had an almost irresistible fascination and force.

The training of a life of thirty-five years had not left him defenceless; he was still master of his dignity; he rose, with a mind made up to an irrevocable farewell.
"I leave you, then," he said, standing up and holding out his hand with an effort that left him pale, but lent him dignity, "to tell your mother that our engagement is ended by your desire." She took his hand and held it.
"You don't trust me ?" she said.
"I do, absolutely," he replied.
"No.

You don't trust me to help you....

I could help you ?" "I'm hopeless without your help!" he exclaimed passionately, but withdrew his hand and turned his back.