The very words he chose were the words least calculated to move a woman. Betty, lying back in her chair, pictured to herself a cringing, deprecating figure that could boast none of the passionate forcefulness of manhood. A woman may be won by courage and strength, even in the person of the man who has done her wrong; but let her have the repulsion of contempt, and her instinct towards forgiveness will be frozen into an unbending pride.
“I do not wish you to make excuses, Parker.”
“But, Betty—”
“Well?”
“It was for the sake of the home, the practice, everything. Can’t you understand? Can’t you imagine what I have gone through?”
Her momentary silence seemed to suggest a sneer.
“So you would justify a lie?”
“Betty, don’t talk like this. I am worried to death by other matters as it is.”
“I can understand that perfectly.”
He began to pace the landing, halting irresolutely from time to time before the locked door.