“Angela!” he gasped.
She nodded and turned her eyes down.
“Yes, it is I. Don’t talk—you are too weak.”
“But I don’t understand. Why did you come back?”
He saw the mouth quiver.
“I came back because——”
“Go on.”
“I came back because I told you a lie.... I didn’t realize then what a despicable lie it was—one that reflected upon the character of a good friend, and made me seem like dirt in your eyes.... I wanted my freedom at any price, but that price was too high.... I—I couldn’t go and let you think—that.”
Her shoulders shook, and he saw that she was trying to conceal her sobs. 237
“When did you come back?” he queried in a slow voice.