"I must speak to you," he said urgently, fiercely, and did not care that Haidee lingered within earshot, and when she heard his words started, then tore up the flight of steps into the villa.
"What is it, Sacha?" said Val, gently.
"You have been playing with me!" He was white-lipped and furious. She felt ashamed though her intention had been good.
"Oh, Sacha!--do not be angry! Surely you too were playing?--I----"
"No!" he shot out at her. "It was not play for me--I----"
But she would have no declarations.
"Well--I am truly sorry--you must forgive me--I, am very fond of you, Sacha--both you and Rupert--but you must not think--Why, I am a very serious woman. Think, I have a son, and am almost old enough to be your mother!"
"Why did you not say that to me before? Why have you been to me these last weeks so full of allure, so attirant?" he asked savagely. "Sapristi! you have been fooling me. It has pleased you to play with my heart!"
She thought it the wisest thing then to tell him the flat ungentle truth.
"As it pleased you to play with Haidee's."