She lay where he had left her until he came back.

He sat down again, but not touching her.

He was still pale, but he had got a grip on himself.
"Tell me," he said quietly, "did you do it just for fun, or had you a reason ?" "I had a reason." "What was it ?" he asked in cold surprise.
"I--I can't tell you while you are angry with me," she faltered.
"I can't get over it right away," he said simply.

"Give me time." Colina hid her face in her arm and her shoulders shook a little.

It is doubtful if any real tears flowed, but the move was just as successful.
He leaned over and laid a tender hand on her shoulder.
"Ah, don't!" he said.