"Not offense, but defense."
"Why Nan!"
"It's useless to deny it," she said banteringly. "You hesitated to come on deck with me in the moonlight this evening. You've kept trotting to Cal's stateroom, when he only begs to be let alone."
"Honestly——"
"It's no use to shuffle. I'm going to be perfectly frank with you. Your assumption of such chilling virtue is insulting. I wish an apology and a promise never to do so again."
"Have I really made you feel this?" he asked, contritely.
"You have, and feel it keenly. Let's come to an understanding. You and I both live in glass houses set on a very high hill. No matter what may be the secrets of my heart, I'm not a fool and you can trust my good sense."
Stuart pressed her hand, and said gently:
"I'm awfully sorry if I've made such an ass of myself that you have received this impression."
"You repent?"