Fontelles flushed.
"A lady, madame, may say what she pleases," he remarked with a bow.
"Oh, enough of pretences," she cried. "Shall we speak openly?"
"With all my heart, madame," said he, lost between anger and bewilderment.
For a moment it seemed as though she would speak, but the shame of open speech was too great for her. In his ignorance and wonder he could do nothing to aid her.
"I won't speak of it," she said. "It's a man's part to tell you the truth, and to ask account from you. I won't soil my lips with it."
Fontelles took a step towards her, seeking how he could assuage a fury that he did not understand.
"As God lives——" he began gravely. Barbara would not give him opportunity.
"I pray you," she cried, "stand aside and allow me to pass. I will not stay longer with you. Let me pass to the door, sir. I'll send a gentleman to speak with you."