“Did you? You thought that? Seriously?”
“I suppose most men would have thought very much the same.”
“You thought that I could change completely, like that—in a single moment?”
“You seemed to change.”
“And that I did not love you any more?”
“That was what you made me think—what else? You’re perfectly justified, of course. I ought to have told you long ago.”
“Please don’t speak to me so—Jack.”
“What do you expect me to say?” he asked, and with a weary look in his eyes he leaned back in his low chair and watched her.
“Jack—dear—you didn’t understand when I told Mr. Crowdie to call you—you don’t understand now. I was angry then—by the staircase. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
Ralston’s face changed instantly, and he leaned forward again, so as to be able to speak in a lower tone.