"You want me to say it ?" she whispered.

"You want to tell me that you can only see me like this, as old friends do, or out in the world among people?
I can do that." "I can't," he said heavily.
Hilda shivered and sat still.

Bartley leaned his head in his hands and spoke through his teeth.

"It's got to be a clean break, Hilda.

I can't see you at all, anywhere.