She struggled, but would not look at him. "Let me go."
"No. Why did you say that unless—"
"The situation—demanded it," she panted. "She had to understand—"
"The truth—"
"No—not the truth. She could not have understood the truth—so I lied to her—lied to her."
With a supreme effort she wrenched away, putting the table between them.
"Oh," she gasped furiously. "That I could ever have believed in you!"
But her anger failed to dismay him. There was a pause during which their glances clashed, hers flashing, contemptuous—his keen, intent and a trifle amused.
"Why did you stay—up there—when the way was clear to the forest."
Her eyes opened a little wider.