"We had given you up.

We said that, alarmed at the thought of the journey to Riolama, you had abandoned us." "WE said!" exclaimed Rima, her pallid face suddenly flushing.

"I spoke differently." "Yes, I know--I know!" he said airily, waving his hand.

"You said that he was in danger, that he was kept against his will from coming.

He is present now--let him speak." "She was right," I said.