He released her at once.
“Rosaleen!” he said. “I—apologise!”
She turned away without answering and went to the door. But he went in front of her.
“Don’t be unreasonable!” he said. “I’m sorry. I can’t say any more, can I? I didn’t mean anything. Shake hands and say you forgive me!”
Rosaleen shook her head.
“I can’t!” she said, with a faint sob. “You don’t—you couldn’t know—how I hate anything of that sort.... And you!... I didn’t think it was in you.”
“It’s in all men,” said Lawrence, gloomily.
“No, it isn’t!” said Rosaleen, thinking of that one quite perfect man she had lost.
“I tell you it is!” said Lawrence, beginning to grow angry. “What do you know about men?”
Rosaleen didn’t answer, but he saw a tear running down her cheek.