And, now, Maynadier's answer was ready and instant.
"I do not," he said; "I think I never did."
"You great stupid," she laughed. "Of course you never did. But why was it so hard for you to say it?"
"I do not know," he confessed.
"Oh, yes, I think you do," she answered. "It was because I had caught you—for you, sir, there can be no denial. And your forgiveness will have to bide a bit, Mr. Maynadier."
And before he could reply, she had left him; nor did he see her, again, before he departed from Hedgely Hall.