What I mean is that I want you to promise never to see me again, no matter how often I come, no matter how hard I beg." Hilda sprang up like a flame.

She stood over him with her hands clenched at her side, her body rigid.
"No!" she gasped.

"It's too late to ask that.

Do you hear me, Bartley?
It's too late.

I won't promise.