"I was born--on the wrong side--of the safety-curtain.

That's no--excuse; only--to make you understand." She would have withdrawn herself then, but his hands held her.

She covered her face, kneeling between them.
"Why do you want me to understand ?" he said, his voice very low.
She quivered at the question, making no attempt to answer, just weeping silently there in his hold.
He leaned towards her, albeit he was trembling with weakness.

"Puck, listen!" he said.

"I do understand." She caught her breath and became quite still.
"Listen again!" he said.