"Before I answer that," she said, "I demand to know why you refused to marry me."
"I cannot tell you, Ailsa."
In a white rage she whispered:
"No, you dare not tell me!—you coward! I had to learn the degrading reason from others!"
He grew deathly white, caught her arms in a grasp of steel, held her twisting wrists imprisoned.
"Do you know what you are saying?" he stammered.
"Yes, I know! Your cruelty—your shame——"
"Be silent!" he said between his teeth. "My shame is my pride! Do you understand!"
Outraged, quivering all over, she twisted out of his grasp.
"Then go to her!" she whispered. "Why don't you go to her?"