Anne was completely unprepared for this new tactic. She paused a moment in her escape and unmistakable hurt flooded the dark eyes. "I... I don't act. I came to--to give you the painting." She was disarmed by the eyes, which were at once the kind ones she had depicted, and yet weren't. It was like seeing a man you knew to be caring and cheerful suddenly lash out at you with words that stung. She pulled at her arm. "Let me go."