RICE-PAPERS
was in the hope that you might give me some explanation that would satisfy me. My heart is wrapped up in the cause of England, but if the German blood in you is calling you away from your duties as an Englishman, tell me frankly and I will try to forgive you, but don’t let the shadow stay over us any longer, Cyril. I must know the truth. What is the mystery that hangs over you and makes”
“Mystery?” he put in quickly. “You’re a bit seedy, Doris. Thinkin’ too much about the war. Nothin’ mysterious about me.” He turned his head away from her again. “People don’t like my sittin’ tight—here in England,” he said more slowly, “when all the chaps I know are off to the front. I—I can’t help it. That’s all.”
“But it’s so unlike you,” she pleaded. “It’s the sporting thing, Cyril.”
“I want you to believe,” he put in slowly, “it isn’t the kind of sport I care for.”
“I won’t believe it. I can’t. I know you better than that.”
“That’s the trouble,” he insisted. “I’m afraid you don’t know me at all.”
“I don’t know you tonight,” she said sadly. “It almost seems as though you were trying to get rid of me.”
He clasped her tightly in his arms and kissed her gently.
“God forbid,” he muttered.
“Then tell me what it is that is worrying you,” she whispered. “Not a living soul shall ever know. What were the threats of exposure that passed between you and Rizzio. He can’t bear you any illwill because I chose you instead of him. I didn’t mean to listen but
36
