He'd ruined everything. And he didn't know how to fix it. He didn't know how to make her comfortable, or deny what she must have seen, or tell himself that this was all a mistake since he'd apparently decided that any connection to a human being had to stand for every connection.

His wishes didn't deserve respect. From anyone.

"My companionship," he said a little hoarsely, "leaves much to be desired. I was rude yesterday. I am not going to demand you stay away from me, even if I thought it would do any good. But you are under no obligation to entertain an old man. Nor do I think I am in any state to... teach you."

Depends on what you'd be teaching, his brain--or part of it, anyway--offered helpfully.