Yet somehow she had not named her encounter with Hamilton. In a general way she would have mentioned it freely. But Mrs. Winton's question had produced an uncomfortable consciousness; and she could not now talk of him quite naturally. So she took refuge in not speaking of him at all.
The silence came to an end.
"You did not tell me that you had seen Mr. Hamilton Stirling yesterday."
Doris pasted with diligence.
"No, I didn't. Why should I? He's always in and out there."
"You gave me the impression that you had seen only Mr. Stirling and Katherine."
"I never said so."
"One may convey a wrong impression without any actual untruth." Mrs. Winton did not speak unkindly, but she was troubled; and she found herself at a disadvantage, facing Doris's back. "It was not quite like you."
Doris turned hastily.
"Mother—I can't help people's impressions. I simply said nothing, because—"