I do not deny that I feel greatly hurt and disappointed , but I am glad you have been true to yourself at last . Do n't cry , dear . '' `` You 're very good , '' I answered disconsolately , `` but all the same the fact remains that I have behaved disgracefully to you , and I know you think so . Oh , Mr. Sinclair , please , please , go away . I feel so miserably ashamed of myself that I can not look you in the face . '' `` I am going , dear , '' he said gently . `` I know all this must be very painful to you , but it is not easy for me , either . '' `` Can you forgive me ? '' I said wistfully . `` Yes , my dear , completely . Do not let yourself be unhappy over this . Remember that I will always be your friend . Goodbye . '' He held out his hand and gave mine an earnest clasp . Then he went away . I remained in the drawing-room , partly because I wanted to finish out my cry , and partly because , miserable coward that I was , I did n't dare face Alicia . Finally she came in , her face wreathed with anticipatory smiles . But when her eyes fell on my forlorn , crumpled self she fairly jumped . `` Katherine , what is the matter ? '' she asked sharply .
`` Did n't Mr. XXXXX -- '' `` Yes , he did , '' I said desperately .
Alicia Katherine Mr. Sinclair clasp coward drawing-room fact hand matter