"Thank you, I don't need to fib," said she.
"I don't mean I need to. Only——" he seemed to find it difficult to explain.
"I shall merely say I have been for a walk, and you need only say you have been for a ride—if you don't want to say where you have really been."
"And if you don't want to mention that you were driving with Ned Cromarty," he retorted.
"He only very kindly offered me a lift!"
She looked quickly at him as she spoke and as quickly away again. The glint in her eye seemed to displease him.
"You needn't always be so sharp with me, Cicely," he complained.
"You shouldn't say stupid things."
Both were silent for a space and then in a low mournful voice he said: