"Now I demand an explanation," he said angrily, the swollen veins standing out on his white forehead, which formed a strange contrast to his brown face.
She did not turn towards him.
"Uncle Henry will tell you what there is to tell," she replied, coldly.
He strode up to her and laid his hand on her shoulder, but she drew back, and the blue eyes, usually so soft, looked at him so coldly and strangely that he started back, deeply shocked.
"I have deceived you, Gertrude? you, Gertrude?" he asked, "what have I done? What is my crime?"
"Nothing--"
"That is no answer, Gertrude."
"Oh, it is only such a trifle--I cannot talk to you about it."
"Very well! Then I will go to Uncle Henry at once."
She made no answer.