"You are unjust to me, Elisabeth, but I can not and will not attempt to justify myself.

Good afternoon." For a second the misery on his face penetrated the thunder-clouds of Elisabeth's indignation.

"Won't you have some tea before you go ?" she asked.

It seemed brutal--even to her outraged feelings--to send so old a friend empty away.
Christopher's smile was very bitter as he answered.

"No, thank you.