"I think very likely they were."
"Miriam, I can't believe this. How could it happen that you were near Mallard's studio just then? How could you stand about for hours, spying?"
"Perhaps I dreamt it."
"Where is this studio?" he asked. "I knew the other day, but I have forgotten."
She told him the address.
"Very well, then I must go there. You still adhere to your story?"
"Why should I invent it?" she exclaimed bitterly "And what is there astonishing in it? What right have you to be astonished?"
"Every right!" he answered, with violence. "What warning have I had of such a thing?"
She rose and moved away with a scornful laugh. For a minute he looked at her as she stood apart, her face turned from him.
"If I find Mallard," he said, "of course I shall tell him who my authority is."