"To put such a question as that. Calling on me to tell you why I think."
"Think! If I could bring myself to lie you would not like it. Yet, supposing I said something to offend you?"
"Why should you?"
"Because of my ignorance. I would not for worlds—knowingly. You would know that I should not mean to."
"Very well, then. Why should I take offence where none is intended?"
He hesitated a moment. Plainly saw the danger-signal flying; then he spoke:
"You are a woman."
She tossed her head at that. There was no mistaking the tone in which she said:
"Thank you!"