ry waking minute, and with her a sense of guilt that would
not down. He knew that if he wrote to her he might involve himself in a
very difficult situation, but the temptation was stronger than his
discretion. He wanted to know if Norry was right, and he knew that he
would never have an hour's real comfort until he found out. Cynthia had
told him that she was not in love with him; she had said definitely
that their attraction for each other was merely sexual. Had she lied to
him? Had she gone home in the middle of Prom, week because she thought
she ought to save him from herself? He couldn't decide, and he felt that
he had to know. If Cynthia was unhappy and he was the cause of her
unhappiness, he wanted, he assured himself, to "do the right thing," and
he had very vague notions indeed of what the right thing might be.

Finally he wrote to her. The letter took him hours to write, but he
flattered himself that it was very discreet; it implied nothing and
demanded nothing.

Dear Cynthia:

I had a talk with Norry Parker recently that has
troubled me a great deal. He said that you seemed both
unwell and unhappy, and he felt that I was in some way
responsible for your depression. Of course, we both know
how ingenuous and romantic Norry is; he can find tragedy
in a cut finger. I recognize that fact, but what he told
me has given me no end of worry just the same.

Won't you please write to me just what is wrong--if
anything really is and if I have anything to do with it.
I shall continue to worry until I get your letter.

Most sincerely,
HUGH.

Weeks went by and no answer came. Hugh's confusion increased. He
thought of writing her another letter, but pride and common sense
forbade. Then her letter came, and all of his props were kicked suddenly
from under him.

Oh my dear, my dear [she wrote], I swore that I wouldn't
answer your letter--and here I am doing it. I've fought
and fought, and fought until I can't fight any longer;
I've held out as long as I can. Oh, Hugh my dearest, I
love you. I can't help it--I do, I do. I've tried so
hard not to--and when I found that I couldn't help it I
swore that I would never let you know--because I knew
that you didn't love me and that I am bad for you. I