He led her in silence, calmly, unfalteringly, with the utmost confidence. She was sure that those lynx-eyes of his could see in the dark.
But his silence speedily became intolerable. It seemed to her to bristle with condemnation. It goaded her against her will into speech.
"Lord Saltash has given me his permission to use the piano at the Castle. I did not know when I went that he had returned."
"I could have told you that," commented Jake.
Again her resentment rose to a flame, burning fiercely. Yet his words held no insult. With all her strength she strove for calmness.
"I did not know of it. In any case, I do not see that it was a matter of very vital importance. An hour at the piano is a great treat to me, and I shall probably go again."
"For an hour?" said Jake.
This time the peculiar intonation of his voice was unmistakable, not to be ignored. She flung him instant defiance.
"For as long as I choose. My time is my own."
He was silent a moment, but she was conscious of the tightening of his hand. At length: "All right, my girl," he said. "But remember, my claim to it comes before Lord Saltash's. Some day it may happen that I shall put in my claim. I never have been content to be passed at the winning-post."