She knew now that she hated him, as we only hate those whom we have wronged. It was intolerable that he should persecute her against her wish; and she swung round sharply, with words of pitiless truth on her lips.
But the night seemed marked for the unexpected:—and now it was joy incredible that fettered her tongue and her feet, while her husband hastened forward, his face clearly visible in the growing light.
"I followed that fellow when he went after you," he said bluntly, anger smouldering in his tone. "And I saw him leave you. Did you send him away?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I didn't want him."
"Does that apply to me also?"
"No . . . please stay."
There fell a silence pregnant with things unutterable. Lenox came closer.
"What possessed you to sing that song,—in that way—Quita?"