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I]

Why, then?

Otherwise I could not see you.

[She looks at him for a moment and then turns aside quickly.]

[After a pause repeats uncertainly.] Otherwise you could not see me?

[Suddenly confused.] I had better go. They are not coming back. [Rising.] Mr Rowan, I must go.

[Extending his arms.] But you are running away. Remain. Tell me what your words mean. Are you afraid of me?

[Sinks back again.] Afraid? No.

Have you confidence in me? Do you feel that you know me?

[Again shyly.] It is hard to know anyone but oneself.

Hard to know me? I sent you from Rome the chapters of my book as I wrote them; and letters for nine long years. Well, eight years.

Yes, it was nearly a year before your first letter came.