"I've done my best to satisfy you--" "You have--you have!" he spoke in a distressed, apologetic tone.
"But you spoke just now as if you were trying to prevent my doing what I wish to do--indeed, what I have to do.

For years I have been misunderstood--persecuted"-- he waited a moment, then in a hollow voice added the one word, "tortured! Do not tell me that you are going to add yourself to the number of my tormentors, Mrs.
Bunting ?" She stared at him helplessly.

"Don't you be afraid I'll ever be that, sir.

I only spoke as I did because--well, sir, because I thought it really wasn't safe for a gentleman to go out this afternoon.

Why, there's hardly anyone about, though we're so near Christmas." He walked across to the window and looked out.