His face changed. Astonishment died in fierce excitement.
"You're mad!" he said brutally.
And he struck her hands away from the book with his clenched fist. She did not cry out, but her face became utterly dogged. He saw that.
"D'you hear me?" he said.
"Yes."
His passion rose, as he began fully to grasp the enormity of the deed that his coming had prevented.
"You would destroy my labour, my very soul," he said hoarsely. "You who pretended to love me!"
"Because I love you," she said.
He laughed aloud.
"You hate me," he cried.