He made a curious jerky movement--as if he strove against invisible bonds. "So," he said, "you are expecting him!"
She stiffened at his words. "I have told you I am expecting no one, but that is no reason why Saltash should not come."
For a second he looked at her with something that was near akin to contempt in his eyes, then suddenly an awful flame leapt up in them consuming all beside. He took a swift step forward, and caught her between his hands.
"Juliet!" he said sternly. "Stop this trifling! What are you hiding from me? What is it you were trying to tell me just now?"
She shrank from the fire of his look. "I can't tell you now, Dick. It's impossible. Dick, you are hurting me!"
He spoke between his teeth. "I've got to know! Tell me now!"
Someone was knocking a careless tattoo upon the outer door. Juliet turned her head sharply, but she kept her eyes upon her husband's face.
"No, Dick," she said after a moment, and with the words something of her customary quiet courage came back to her. "I can't--possibly--tell you now. Do this one thing for me--wait till to-night!"
"I promise that you shall know--everything--then," she said. "Please--give me till then!"
There was earnest entreaty in her voice, but she had subdued her agitation. She met the scorching intensity of his look with eyes that never wavered, and in spite of himself he was swayed by her steadfastness.
"Very well," he said, and set her free. "Till to-night!"
She turned from him in silence and opened the door. He stood motionless, with hands clenched at his sides, and watched her.
She went down the passage without haste and reached the outer door. She opened it without fumbling, and in a moment Saltash's debonair accents came to him.
"Ah, _Juliette_! You are ready? Has your good husband got back yet? Ah, there you are, sir! I have called to offer you and _madame_ a lift. I am going your way."
He came sauntering up the passage with the royal assurance characteristic of him, and held out his hand to Dick with malicious cordiality.
"I come as a friend, Romeo. Do you know you're very late? Have you only just got back?"
Juliet's eyes were upon Dick. She saw his momentary hesitation before he took the proffered hand.
Saltash saw it also and grinned appreciatively. "Well, what news? What did Yardley have to say?"