We're both of us beyond that by this time.I'll come back if you really want me.You know that I always will, but at last, after all these years, I've found a scrap of self-respect.Here am I always bundling about--first the aunts, then you, then Paul, then you again, and nobody wanting me.I don't suppose," she said laughing, "that there can be anybody less wanted in the world.So I'm just going to look after myself now.It's quite time I did.""But I want you," he said, his voice still very low.She looked up, her eyes lit as though with some sudden recognition.
"If you really mean that," she said, "say it again.If you don't mean it, don't humbug me.I won't be humbugged any more.""I haven't humbugged you--ever," he answered."You're the only person I've always been absolutely straight with.I've always, from the very beginning, told you to have nothing to do with me.It's more true than ever now.I've been trying ever since you came back to me in London to get you to leave me.But it's too late.I can't fight it any more...I loved you all the time I was abroad.Ioughtn't to have written to you, but I did.I came back to London with the one hope of seeing you, but determined not to.""I loved you more than ever when you came into my lodging there, but I was sick and hadn't any money, besides all my other failings...
It's the only decent thing I've ever really tried to do, to keep you away from me, and now I've failed in that.When I came in and found you were gone this afternoon I thought I'd go crazy.""I'm not going to struggle any more.If you go away I'll follow you wherever you go.I may as well try to give up keeping you out of it.
It's like keeping myself out of it."
Slowly she took her hat and coat off again.
"Well, then," she said, "I'd better stay, I suppose."He suddenly sat down, his face white.She came across to him.