"And remember," he said, "that no experiment can ever prove a success unless it is given a fair trial. You will continue to be engaged to me until I set you free. Is that understood?"
She did not answer him. She was pulling at the loose ends of her veil with restless fingers, her face downcast and very pale.
"Doris!" he said.
She glanced up at him sharply.
"I am rather tired," she said, and her voice quivered a little. "Do you mind if I say good-night?"
"Answer me first," he said.
She shook her head.
"I forget what you asked me. It doesn't matter, does it? There's someone coming, and I don't want to be caught. Good-night!"
She whisked round with the words before he could realize her intention, and in a moment was at the door. She waved a hand to him airily as she disappeared. And Caryl was left to wonder if her somewhat precipitate departure could be regarded as a sign of defeat or merely a postponement of the struggle.