"I don't understand you!" says Tita, standing well away from him, her face as white as ashes.
As for his face——
"Don't you?" violently. "Then I shall explain. I've had enough of what ruins men's lives and honours—of what leads to——"
"To?" says the girl, shrinking, yet leaning forward.
"To the devil—to the Divorce Court!" says Rylton, with increasing violence. "Do you think I did not see you and him just now—you—in his arms! Look here!"
He seizes her arm. There is a quick, sudden movement, and she is once again free. Such a little, fragile creature! She seems to have grown a woman during this encounter, and to be now tall to him, and strong and imperious.
"Don't!" says she, in a curious tone, so low as to be almost unheard, yet clear to him. "Don't come near me. Don't! What do you accuse me of?"
"You know right well. Do you think the whole world—our world, at all events—has not seen how it has been with you and——"
He cannot go on. He pauses, looking at her. He had meant to spare her feelings; but, to his surprise, she meets his gaze fully, and says, "Well?" in a questioning way.
At this his rage bursts forth.