I was perplexed, hurt, by the girl's words and action.

What cause had I given her for treating me with such open contempt?
Surely not my avowal of love, however inopportune that might have been, nor my holding her prisoner.

Could something have occurred of which I knew nothing?
Could Le Gaire have poisoned her mind against me with some ingenious lie?
It was all too hazy, too improbable, for me to consider seriously--but she must explain before we went away.
With this in mind I passed into the hall, and began to ascend the stairs..