"No, I could not tell you that, Maggie. My father has every right to be annoyed with me."
"Basil!"
"I can't explain, my dear little Mag. You must just take it on trust with me. I am not falsely accused of anything."
Marjorie unlinked her hand from Basil's clasp. She sprang off the window-ledge on to the floor.
"Look here," she said, "I can't stand this! There's a mystery, and I'm going to clear you. Oh, yes, I will; I am determined!"
"No, Maggie, you are not to clear me. I don't wish to be cleared."
"Basil, what do you mean?"
"What I say. I don't wish to be cleared."
"Then father is to go on being angry with you?"
Basil suppressed a quick sigh.