I have something to tell you. And it is--it
is not easy to tell."
"Tell it me."
He looked at her. He was now quite close to her, and could see the
outline of her face but not the expression in her eyes.
"My interest in Vere increased. I believed it to be an interest
aroused in me by the discovery of this talent in her. I believed the
new fondness I felt for her to be a very natural fondness, caused by
her charming confidence in me. Our little secret drew us together. And
I understand now, Hermione, that it seemed to set you apart from us. I
believe I understand all now, all the circumstances that have seemed
strange to me this summer. I wanted Vere's talent to develop
naturally, unhindered, unaffected--I thought it was merely that--and I
became exigent, I even became jealous of all outside interference. On
the night we dined at Frisio's I felt strongly irritated at Panacci's
interest in Vere. And there were other moments--"
He looked at her again. She stood perfectly still.
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