"Very well."
As he passed near the sofa his foot got entangled in a shawl which lay on the floor; he picked it up—it was heavy with damp.
"I was given to understand that you had not been out," he exclaimed, holding it towards her.
For an instant Elizabeth looked confused, then she snatched the shawl from his hand, crying angrily:
"Well, sir, I was out—now are you satisfied?"
"Always deception," he said, "even in trifles."
"Of course," she exclaimed, in the same passionate tone, "you make it necessary. I went out because these nervous attacks make me feel as if I were choking—you are so suspicious, you see something to suspect in the most trivial action."
"So you——"
"Told you a lie," she added, when he hesitated; "well, let it go at that. Are you through with this examination—have you any more questions to ask?"
"That tone—that look, Elizabeth; you are not like yourself!"