“Be quick, then,” she said. “I haven’t much time to spare.” She was being deliberately rude.
“I suppose you noticed I went out while you were playing?” he went on.
“Did you?” As much as to say: “How should I know? Do you imagine I keep careful watch upon all your movements?”
“The fact is, I went out because I remember your saying that you never played well if I were present....”
“Did I say that?” (She was in a deliberately, irritatingly obstructionist mood.)
“... So I thought I’d oblige.... Afterwards it occurred to me it would be misunderstood.... That’s all.... It wasn’t anything else. Of course you’re not obliged to believe me.”
“Why shouldn’t I believe you?” she said, with no discoverable motive.
“I know of no reason at all,” he replied coldly.
Pause.
“And, as it happened, you did play rather well. Distinctly better than usual.”