"What have you to say, Jack?"
"I decline to be cross-examined," was the abrupt reply.
"Speak, and satisfy him!" urged Valerie imploringly. "Tell him if there
is any love between us." She frowned, and, unseen by Trethowen, darted
a sharp, imperative glance at him.
He fully comprehended her meaning. Raising his head, he confronted his
friend, saying--
"You need have no fear. Valerie and I have known one another for years,
but only as acquaintances."
He uttered the words mechanically, in strained, harsh tones.
"I don't believe it," cried the other, his face crimson with anger.
"You are both playing me false, and I have detected you."
"You are mistaken," Valerie said defiantly.
"No; I assert it as the truth. The whole affair is so unsatisfactory
that I will not believe it. Friends do not meet clandestinely in this
manner. You are lovers!"
"It's a lie," cried Valerie emphatically.
"I repeat what I've said."
"Then, if you accuse me of duplicity, Mr. Trethowen, I will bid you
adieu," she exclaimed severely, at the same time offering her hand.
He took it, and was mollified instantly.