"Will you tell me why?"
She had turned to go; now she hesitated, silent, irresolute.
"Will you tell me, Ailsa?"
She said, wearily: "If you insist, I can make it plainer, some time. But this is not the time. . . And you had better not ask me at all, Philip."
"I do ask you."
"I warn you to accept your dismissal without seeking an explanation. It would spare—us both."
"I will spare neither of us. What has changed you?"
"I shall choose my own convenience to answer you," she replied haughtily.
"Choose it, then, and tell me when to expect your explanation."
"When I send for you; not before."