"Do you imagine I am going to be cross-examined like this?"
"Yes—reply!"
"Well, I don't know what her conception of 'niceness' may be; it didn't fit mine. She had got it into her head that I 'pitied' her, which seemed to be a crime. I didn't see how to disprove it, so I came away."
He spoke with a dry lightness, but she perceived anxiety and unrest under his tone. She bent forward.
"Do you know where Madeleine is now?"
"Not in the least."
"In the Long Gallery. I sent her there."
"Upon my word!" he said, after a pause. "Do you want to rule us all?"
His cheek had flushed again; his look was half rebellious.
A flash of pain struck through her brightness.
"No, no!" she said, protesting. "But I know—you don't!"