I understand that he was always an abomination and a curse to you, that when deliverance offered you seized it; and I do not forget that you would have preferred death if I would have let you die.

Do you know, Puck"-- his voice had softened by imperceptible degrees; he was bending towards her so that she could feel his breath on her neck while he spoke--"when I took it upon me to save you from yourself that night I knew--I guessed--what had happened to you?
No, don't start like that! If there was anything to forgive I forgave you long ago.

I understood.

Believe me, though I am a man, I can understand." He stopped.

His hand was all wet with her tears.