“I believe you hate me,” he exclaimed.

She, on her part, leaned forward till her face was near his.

“You're right,” she whispered; “I do hate you. Now you know what's the matter with Betty.”

For a moment Bellairs did not understand.

“Now—I know—” he repeated. “I don't—Ah!” Comprehension flashed upon him.

“You devil,” he said—“you she-devil! Curse—curse you!” Clarice laughed again. Bellairs sprang up.

“No, no, I won't believe it,” he cried. “I can't. The thing's impossible.”

“Is it? The pendulum of my heart has swung back from love to hate. Betty's is following.”

“No, no!”