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"It is part of the heavy burden I have to bear," Ralph replied. "I should have told you that story. But I did not care to do so; in cold narration it would sound fantastic and absurd. And I repeat that I did not know the meaning of love till I saw you. I want you to believe that. Enid, always to feel that my heart has been yours, and yours only. You could be nothing to me now, not even if you forgave me freely. One crime leads to another, as I have found to my bitter cost. If you knew everything you would pity me."
There was no acting here, no hysterical playing up for sympathy.