The wobegone face hid its crimson tide in two quivering hands. The end of the shining red curls swept the floor. Frederick made no sound.
"Who is he?" insisted Waldstricker once more.
"I can't tell," moaned the girl.
"I'll make you tell," he threatened, infuriated.
"I won't!" reiterated Tess, raising her head. "I can't."
Madelene's sad, tearful face flashed through Waldstricker's mind with the suspicions she had aroused against Frederick. Like an angry horse, his nostrils lifted and sniffed the air. Fury against this girl rode in his heart.
"You needn't tell us the man's name," he taunted triumphantly. "We already know it."
Up struggled Tess to her feet and thrust back the tawny curls feverishly. If they knew, then Frederick had told them.
"And you've got to marry him," Waldstricker's hoarse voice came to her ears.
Why, she was married to him!... that long ago night. If he had told them anything, why had he not told them all? She dared not look around, but waited breathlessly.