"And you had reason to believe he was in earnest?"
"Every reason to believe and know so."
Miss Crane stopped. She had expected Viola to break down on this cross-examination, but evidently her story was not to be shaken.
"Is that all?" asked the girl with a show of hauteur.
"No," said Miss Crane. "I would like you to tell me the whole story."
"And if I refuse?"
"You surely would not risk dismissal?"
"No risk at all, my dear Miss Crane, I court it," and all the Spanish fire of Viola's nature flashed and flamed with her words.
"Viola! Do you know what you are saying?"
"Perfectly. Have you finished with the 'third degree?'"