She wrung her hands; Jasper caught them and held them between his own.
‘Miss Barbara, I have deceived you. Be calm.’
‘I know only too well that you have deceived me—all of us,’ she said passionately. ‘Let go my hands.’
‘You misunderstand me. I shall not be taken, for I am not pursued. I never took your sister’s money. I have never been in jail.’
She plucked her hands away.
‘I do not comprehend.’
‘Nevertheless, what I say is simple. You have supposed me to be a thief and an escaped convict. I am neither.’
Barbara shook her head impatiently.
‘I have allowed you to think it for reasons of my own. But now you must be undeceived.’
The young cattle were galloping about in front, kicking, snorting, trying the hedges. Jasper left Barbara for a while that he might drive them into a field where they could do no harm. She remained under the great gate in the shadow, bewildered, hoping that what he now said was true, yet not daring to believe his words.