"Of all the astounding observations! Is it possible that you can have overlooked your own record?"
As he spoke the blood dyed her face; she swerved so suddenly that one felt that if it had not been for the support of the stile she might have fallen. On the instant he was penitent.
"I beg your pardon; but you use me in such a fashion; you say such things, that you force me to use my tongue."
"Thank you, you need not apologise. The taunt was deserved. I have played the hypocrite; I know it--none know it better. But let me assure you that, latterly, I have continued to play the hypocrite for your sake."
"For my sake?"
"For your sake and for yours only, and you know it."
"I know it? This transcends everything! The courage of such a suggestion, even coming from you, startles me almost into speechlessness. May I ask you to explain?"
"I will explain, if an explanation is necessary, which we both know it is not!"
He waved his pipe with an odd little gesture in the air.
"Good heavens!" he exclaimed.