“I suppose I shall have to tell you,” I said slowly. “I’m not ashamed of it. You can’t be ashamed of something that just⁠—happens to you. That’s what he did. He was detestable⁠—rude and ungrateful⁠—but that I think I understand. It’s like a dog that’s been chained up⁠—or badly treated⁠—it’ll bite anybody. That’s what he was like⁠—bitter and snarling. I don’t know why I care⁠—but I do. I care horribly. Just seeing him has turned my whole life upside down. I love him. I want him. I’ll walk all over Africa barefoot till I find him, and I’ll make him care for me. I’d die for him. I’d work for him, slave for him, steal for him, even beg or borrow for him! There⁠—now you know!”

Suzanne looked at me for a long time.