Part 19 (2/2)
”Your position when I entered was peculiarly affectionate,” he said hotly.
He glanced at her, and caught the agitated expression of her face as she stood erect before him. Her eyes had a perplexed look, with just a suspicion of tears in their brown depths.
”No affection exists between us, I a.s.sure you,” she declared boldly.
”If you doubt me, ask Mr. Egerton. He and I are merely friends.”
Turning to the artist, Hugh asked--
”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 a.s.sert 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.
Bending over it, he murmured--
”Farewell, mademoiselle, until--until you can prove that I was mistaken.
We shall not meet till then.” For a moment she gazed steadily at the artist, but he did not stir. He stood with his arms folded, his face impa.s.sive.
Slowly she turned, and with a stiff bow swept haughtily out of the studio.
”Now,” commenced Hugh, when the door had closed, ”what explanation have you to give of this strange conduct, pray?”
”None.”
<script>