Hayward saw that he must divert her thoughts from this direful night. He was much desirous of discussing other matters anyway. After a silent minute he began.
"Your return was quite unexpected to—us," he said.
"Yes, and a very short visit I'm to make as it is. I leave again day after to-morrow morning."
She stopped and apparently did not care to say more of herself—or of her plans.... Hayward was of a different mind.
"You didn't say anything of this visit in your last letter," he ventured.
"No, I had not decided on it then." ... Silence again.
"Helen, why did you write me that letter?" Hayward squared himself for battle and fired the first shot.
"I only answered yours—your two letters, rather. You insisted on making your—demands, and I simply told you what I thought. You also attacked one of my friends, and I defended him."
Helen was not versed in the art of indirection or evasion. Hayward was very thankful for that. It made the issue clear, and made it quickly.
"As for your friend," said Hayward, "your defence of him is without knowledge—"