Jean's brain whirled. That passion could put such a monstrous construction on her conduct, passed belief.
"Lies!" she gasped.
"Prove them false!"
"Lies, cruel lies!"
Atwood sprang to her side.
"I could not believe them, Jean," he cried. "You are too honest, too pure—"
"Prove them false!" Julie challenged again.
Jean turned her back upon her.
"This is between you and me, Craig," she pleaded, struggling for self-control. "I am the honest woman you have always believed me. I have concealed nothing shameful. My only thought was to spare you pain. You shall know now, everything; but it is a story for your ears alone. It concerns us only, dear, our happiness, our love."
He cast a look of entreaty at Julie, who met it with an acid smile.