"You know! You do know! I can see in your eyes you know! Please go!"
"Sweetheart!"
"Don't--speak to me--like that--now. Go!"
"You surely are not in earnest. You cannot wish me to leave you before this extraordinary misunderstanding which has so inexplicably sprung up is cleared away. Tell me what is in your mind--frankly, all! I quite understand how this wretched man, Parker, may have turned your thoughts into unexpected currents and filled you with miserable doubts. I assure you he has upset me more than I care to tell you."
"I know that he upset you! I felt you were upset when I was so close to you. I can see it now."
If for the moment he was disconcerted--and the lady's manner was disconcerting--he slurred it over with creditable skill.
"Come, Gladys; let's try to get back to where we were--to perfect understanding. Tell me your doubts, no matter how insoluble they may seem to you. I promise you I'll solve them."
"I'm sure you will; I feel you could solve anything, but I am afraid of your solution."
Before he had an inkling of her intention she had passed rapidly across the floor and from the room.
"Gladys!" he exclaimed.