He took her hand and held it in his; this much at any rate he had learned in sitting on stairs or in conservatories after extra dances.
He said as tenderly as he could, but with an impatient gesture unseen by her: 'Forgive me, Stephen! I suppose I have said or done something which I shouldn't.

But I don't know what it is; upon my honour I don't.

Anyhow, I am truly sorry for it.

Cheer up, old girl! I'm not your husband, you know; so you needn't be distressed.' Stephen took her courage _a deux mains_.

If Leonard would not speak she must.