Why she added that last remark she did not know; a second after she wished it had been left unuttered--he fastened on it with such singular eagerness.
"You're not looking well--I've noticed it."
She was just about to hurry on, but there was something about the way in which he spoke which induced her to pause; something impertinent, which stung her, so that she regarded him with angry eyes, and replied to him with scorn.
"It's very good of you."
"I've noticed that you've not been looking well--ever since last Thursday."
This time he spoke with a significance which startled her, though she did not understand.
"Why since last Thursday?"
"I'll tell you. I was in the study when you were. After you had gone I found these three sovereigns. One was lying on the floor, and the other two were lodged on the shelves of the bookcase. And ever since then I've noticed that you've not been looking well."
A great horror was stealing over her, which she tried to get the better of, but failed. He regarded her with that impassive stare of his, which compelled her eyes to be fixed on his, whether they would or they would not.
"I--I don't know what you--what you mean."