The last time they met, ages before--no, only the previous afternoon--she had told him it was his happiness and his future only that she thought of.

He choked and drew his hand across his eyes.
"Mrs.Coffin," he said, "you tell me it will be her ruin.

YOU tell me so.

You SAY she doesn't want me.

I tell you that the only thing that will keep me from her is hearing that from her own lips.