Now for it, she thought. But at once he switched. "There was nothing in the papers. Why is that? What is that package?"
Cassy looked at the bundle which she still held. It gave her courage.
"I am not married."
For a second he stared. It was obvious that he had not got it. "Where have you been, then?"
Cassy fingered the bundle. Always she had hated to explain and of all possible explanations what could be more hateful than this? If only he would guess it, flare up, stamp about, get it over, let it go. But the cup was there and she drank it.
"I thought I was married. I am a fool."
For the awaited curse, she braced herself. The explosion did not come, but his eyes had widened. They covered her. Then, with an intake of the breath and of understanding, he lowered them. Apparently he was weighing it and Cassy thought he was trying to restrain himself, and she blessed him for it. It was less terrible than she had feared. But immediately it occurred to her that instead of trying to restrain himself, he was seeking the strength wherewith to rend her. And I am so innocent, she despairfully thought.
Her eyes were upon him and he looked up into hers.
"Why did you think you were married?"
"I told you, because I am a fool. There was a clergyman and a ceremony. Afterwards I found that the clergyman was not a clergyman and that the ceremony was a sham."