Remorse
He had not intended to hurt her. He certainly had not MEANT to hurt her. He had had absolutely no DESIRE to hurt her. There was no other way. Surely she understood that. There was only one logical path to take. Anything else involved too many risks, too much jeopardy. She was extremely intelligent, surely she had analyzed the situation and come to the same conclusions that he had. Had she not?
But then she did not have the advantage of twenty-five years of training in taking the logical path. Of foregoing emotional responses in determining her actions. Perhaps it had NOT been clear to her what must be done. Perhaps she had not anticipated his words, his actions. He was not used to such considerations. Perhaps she had thought him harsh, unfeeling. He was by no means unfeeling.
Somehow he must make her understand that. In trying to prevent pain, he had caused it.