"Yes," she said, under her breath.
"He said--you know his breezy style: 'Don't be astonished! Miss Ratcliffe and I understand one another.

In fact, we've been more or less engaged for a long time, though it isn't generally known.'" "Max!" Olga started back as if from a blow.

"He never said--that!" "Yes, he did.

I guessed it was a lie," said Max, "in spite of appearances." She winced.

"It is a lie!" she said with vehemence.