Really she did. It was most unfair—this present performance of hers. It distressed him beyond measure; he said:
"I wish you nothing but the greatest happiness it is possible for you to enjoy; wish it from my heart."
"And I—I—have behaved so—s-s-so ungratefully to you."
She uttered truth; perhaps for a change. But he denied what she said; answered:
"Not at all! You behaved rightly; as your heart dictated."
She had to flare up at that; could not help it. As a matter of fact all her actions had been in direct opposition to her heart's promptings.
"I did nothing of the sort! My behaviour was quite wrong!"
The handkerchief shifted a little to enable her to look up at him out of the corner of her eye, as she continued:
"Just the reverse of the way my h-h-heart dictated."
His own heart beat a little quicker at that, in expectation, as he asked eagerly: