Merefleet was trying to discern her features in the darkness.
"Are you really lonely, I wonder ?" he said.

"Or is that a figure of speech ?" "It's solid fact," she said.

"But, never mind me! Let's talk of something nicer." "No, thanks!" Merefleet could be obstinate when he liked.

"Unless you object, I prefer to talk about you." She laughed a little, but said nothing.
"I want to know what makes you lonely," he said.

"Don't tell me, of course, if there is any difficulty about it!" "No," she responded coolly.