He spoke deliberately and coldly. But Phil clenched his hands. The words cut him like a whip. "You refuse to believe me?" he said. Tudor did not answer. "I must trouble you for an answer," Phil said, forcing himself to speak quietly. "As you please," said Tudor, in the same cold tone. "I have a question to put first. Had I not chanced to see what took place, would you have sought this interview?" The blood rose in a hot wave to Phil's head, but he did not wince or hesitate. "Of course I shouldn't," he said. Tudor made a curt gesture as of dismissal. "Out of your own mouth--" he said, and turned contemptuously away. Phil stood quite still for the space of ten seconds, then the young blood in him suddenly mounted to fever pitch. He strode up to his major, and seized him fiercely by the shoulder. "I won't bear this from any man," he said between his teeth. "I am as honourable as you are! If you say--or insinuate--otherwise, I--by Heaven--I'll kill you!" The passionate words ceased, and there followed a silence more terrible than any speech. Tudor stood absolutely motionless, facing the young subaltern who towered over him, without a sign of either anger or dismay. Then at last, very slowly and quietly, he spoke: "You have made a mistake. Take your hand away." Phil's hand dropped to his side. He was white to the lips. Yet he would not relinquish his purpose at a word. "It hasn't been for my own sake," he said, his voice still shaking with the anger he could not subdue. Tudor made no response. He stood with his eyes fixed steadily upon Phil's agitated face. And, as if compelled by that searching gaze, Phil reiterated the assertion. "If I had only had myself to consider," he said, "I shouldn't have--stooped--to offer an explanation." "Let me remind you," Tudor said quietly, "that I have not asked for one." "You prefer to misunderstand?" said Phil quickly. "I prefer to take my own view," amended Tudor. "If you are wise--you will be satisfied to leave it so." It was final, and, though far from satisfied, Phil felt the futility of further discussion. He turned to the door. "Very well, sir," he said briefly, and went out, holding his head high. As for Tudor, he sat down again before his writing-table with an unmoved countenance, and after a short interval took up his correspondence. There was no anger in his eyes. CHAPTER VIII AT THE DANCE Audrey saw no more of Phil Turner for some days. She did not enjoy much of her husband's society, either. He appeared to be too busy to think of her, and she in consequence spent most of her time with Mrs. Raleigh. But Phil, who had been one of the latter's most constant visitors, did not show himself there.