“Why do you say such strange things? I always tell you the truth.”
To his listening ear her voice sounded affectedly naïve. He answered without moving:
“Of course you do. So do all women since the days of Eve.”
“But you don’t seem to believe me.”
“You mustn’t jump at such hasty conclusions.”
“Have you heard anything about me that would make you think I was deceitful?”
“I have never spoken of you to any one except your father.”
“I can’t understand you at all to-day. You’re so changeable and moody, and sometimes so ill-humored.”
“What a dreadful afternoon you’ve had! I’m sorry.” Then, with an abrupt change of tone: “Who picks up the leaves of the deodar and ties them up in those neat little bundles?”