As it is--I have been wondering--" She broke off abruptly and suddenly covered her face with her two hands in a stillness so tense that the man beside her marvelled.
He moved close to her.

He was rather pale, but by no means discomposed.
"Yes ?" he said.

"Go on, please.

I want you to finish." There was authority in his voice, but Molly sat in unbroken silence.
He waited for several moments, then laid a perfectly steady hand on her knee.
"You have been wondering--" he said.
She did not raise her head.

As if under compulsion, she answered him with her face still hidden.
"I have dared to wonder if--perhaps--you would take me--instead.