She drew a deep, tremulous breath. "More than that," she said, "you stood by me when you almost believed I had lied to you—lied shamefully."
"I had my plans ready—in that event," he said, forcing a laugh.
"You did doubt me?"
"Yes."
She bent her head, looked thoughtfully at her hands, which clasped one knee, then, lifting her eyes: "I forgive you," she said gravely.
He flushed: "I did not know you—did not realize—what you are——"
"You were slower than I."
"What?"
"I trusted you—from the first."
He was silent; she watched him for a few moments, then: