Then he looked at Hylda, and remembered once again on whom and what his speech had been made.

He saw that her face was very pale.
"What do you think of my speech ?" he repeated stubbornly.
"If you think an answer necessary, I regard it as wicked and unpatriotic," she answered firmly.
"Yes, I suppose you would," he rejoined bitingly.

She got to her feet slowly, a flush passing over her face.

"If you think I would, did you not think that a great many other people would think so too, and for the same reason ?" she asked, still evenly, but very slowly.

"Not for the same reason," he rejoined in a low, savage voice.
"You do not treat me well," she said, with a voice that betrayed no hurt, no indignation.