He could see the damp stain of tears on her face, but there was no sign of them now in the eyes that seemed seeking in his own the truth of his words, spoken a few moments before.
"You believe that ?" she questioned eagerly.

"You believe that it was necessary for me to--lie ?" She leaned a little toward him, her fingers twining themselves about one another nervously, as she waited for him to answer.
"Yes," said Howland.

He spoke the one word with a finality that sent a gladness into the soft brown eyes across from him.

"I believe that you _had_ to lie to me." His low voice was vibrant with unbounded faith.

Other words were on his lips, but he forced them back.