It paralysed him for an instant; but the next he strode forward, convention flung to the winds, desirous only to comfort.

He reached her and bent over her, one hand upon her shaking shoulder.
"I say, Mrs.Tudor, don't--don't!" he urged.

"What is the matter?
You're not crying because I wouldn't do as you asked me?
You couldn't care all that for such a trifle ?" His voice was husky with agitation.

He felt guiltily that it was all his fault, and he could have kicked himself for his clumsiness.
She did not answer him, nor did her sobs grow less.

It was the pent-up misery of weeks to which she was giving vent, and, having yielded, it was no easy matter to check herself again.
Phil became desperate and knelt down by her side, almost as distressed as she.
"I say," he pleaded--"I say, Audrey, don't cry! Tell me what is wrong.
Let me help you.