Carron took his cup with trembling hands and set it down carefully on the table.
"You needn't snap my head off," he observed.
"No. But why play comedy? Mother has told you all about it, so I can't see the use of this sort of humbug."
He was silent for a moment, and then began in a new voice. "Brigit, I—I really have something to say to you."
"What is it?"
"It's this. That day—the last time I saw you, you know, your mother was standing up for you when you came in. She—refused to believe me when I, when I——"
"I know. But when I came in she was——"
"She was simply being good to me. Look here, Brigit, really and truly, she was. She went for me when I said—that. And your coming in in a temper was what—upset the apple-cart."
Brigit raised her eyebrows.
"Right. Now let's talk about something else. When did you see Tommy?"