"When you are quite composed I should enjoy hearing your statement."
"I … have none to make."
"So!"—with his back to the lamp, towering over and oppressing her with the sense of his strength and self-control. "That is very odd, isn't it?"
"I have no—no explanation to give that would satisfy you, or myself," she said brokenly. "I—I don't care what you think," with a flicker of defiance. "Believe the worst and—and do what you will—have me arrested——"
He laughed sardonically. "Oh, we won't go so far as that, I guess; harsh measures, such as arrest and imprisonment, are so unsatisfactory to all concerned. But I am interested to know why you are here."
Her breathing seemed very loud in the pause; she kept her lips tight, fearing to speak lest she lose her mastery of self. And hysteria threatened: the fluttering in her bosom warned her. She must be very careful, very restrained, if she were to avert that crowning misfortune.
"I don't think I quite understand you," he continued musingly; "surely you must have anticipated interruption."
"I thought you safely out of the way——"
"One presumed that." He laughed again, unpleasantly. "But how about
Maitland? Didn't you have him in your calculations, or—"
He paused, unfeignedly surprised by her expression. And chuckled when he comprehended.