She jerked the reply at him over her uncovered shoulder.
"My being here, you mean? My having joined the other side?"
This was a grateful piece of intelligence but Richard preserved a stern expression.
"Since you suggest it yourself——" he admitted.
"Do you hate me for doing it?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"Not at all. I'm sure your reasons were adequate."
"They were. Still I thought you'd be surprised."
It was clearly evident that some sort of emotion would have to be expressed. Richard passed a hand across his forehead and walked to the fireplace.
"My dear Auriole," he said, "did I ever strike you as a man who betrayed my real feelings?"