If he answered, "Yes,"-- why, then he must go on, he must tell her something of what passed between Luttrell and himself, how he delivered his message and what answer he received.

Let him wrap that answer up in words, however delicate and vague, she would see straight to the answer.

Her heart would lead her there.

To plead forgetfulness would be merely to acknowledge that he slighted her; and she would not believe him.

So he lied.
"No.