"Don't," he says, anguished, and pulls back to look at her clearly.

"Oh, please don't, Su. You've nothing – I couldn't care less about what it might interfere with. How could you be expected to act as though this were any other time of year? And not a year yet since? Dearest, please. Whatever you feel – whatever you need – it's all right, Su. I swear it. And I'll do all that I can, day or night."