"How was I to know?" she murmured. "Other men are not like you."
"I might have surprised you," he said grimly.
"You did!" whispered Colina. The suspicion of a dimple showed in either cheek.
He rose. "Let me alone for a minute," he said. "I'll be all right."
He went to the horse and loosened the saddle girths.
Colina could have crawled through the grass to his feet. She lay where he had left her until he came back. He sat down again, but not touching her. He was still pale, but he had got a grip on himself.
"Tell me," he said quietly, "did you do it just for fun, or had you a reason?"
"I had a reason."
"What was it?" he asked in cold surprise.
"I—I can't tell you while you are angry with me," she faltered.
"I can't get over it right away," he said simply. "Give me time."