She sprang to her feet, her eyes very bright, as though tears were not far distant, her young breast rising and falling unevenly with her hurrying breath.
"Is that what you think of me ?" she said unsteadily.

"Because then I'd better go away.

It's what I want--to go away! I--I can't bear it here any longer." Her fingers gripped the edge of the table tensely.

She was struggling to keep down the rising sobs which threatened to choke her speech.

"I know you don't want me to be Roger's wife--you don't think I'm fit for it! You've just said so! And--and you've let me see it every day.