"You understand what I mean," he went on quickly. "You've played false with me. You've always played false. I saw you there this morning kissing this man, the way you kissed me, the way you kiss others for all that I know."
"You're mad. You insult me." She rose, pale and trembling, but facing him hardily.
"No, I'm not mad. Nothing that I can say can insult you."
It was a fatal mistake, for at the word Lloyd came forward again, bent on making some show of resistance. Jerry turned on him with a snarl, for the fellow had foolishly put up his hands. A few blows passed and then--Jerry told what happened rather apologetically--"It was a pity, Roger. It wasn't altogether his fault, but he _is_ a bounder. My fist struck his face, seemed to smear it, literally, all into a blot of red. It wasn't like hitting a man in the ring, it was like--like poking a bag full of dirty linen. The whole fabric seemed to give way. He toppled back, turned a complete somersault and collapsed."
I made no comment. I already knew that Lloyd hadn't been killed. The girl Marcia seemed stricken dumb for a moment and found her voice only when Jerry turned toward her again.
"Jerry," she cried. "It is horrible. You're a brute--beast--"
Jerry only pointed at the prostrate figure slowly struggling to its knees.
"Go and kiss him," he cried. "Go. Kiss him now. He's on his knees to you, waiting for you."
While they watched, Lloyd got to his feet, turned one look of terror in Jerry's direction and then fled blindly into the woods, like one possessed of a devil.
Jerry laughed. It couldn't have been very pretty laughter, for the girl covered her face with her hands and shrank away from him.
"How _could_ you?" she stammered. "How _could_ you?"
"Jerry--I--. It's all a mistake. You thought you saw us. I haven't kissed--"
"You lie," he came a pace toward her. "I saw you. I'm not a fool--not any longer."
Her gaze met his and fell. There was something in his expression, something of the primitive that tore away all subterfuge.
"And if I did kiss him--what then?" she asked defiantly. "I'll kiss as I please."
"_Will_ you?" He caught at her wrist but she eluded him.
"Yes, I will. What right have you to tell me what I shall do or not do? I'll choose my friends as I please and kiss them as I please, Chan or anyone!"