"You know how censorious people are, and how a girl takes alarm at the very idea of anything—you know?"
Dale chafed at these diplomatic approaches.
"If there's anything said against me, pray let me know."
"Oh, it's nothing very definite," said the Colonel uneasily. He did not find what he had to say so simple as it had seemed.
"Indefinite things are most hopeless."
"Yes, yes, quite so. Well, if you really wish it—if you won't be offended. No doubt it's all a mistake."
"What do they say?"
"Well, we're men of the world, Bannister. The fact is, people don't quite understand your—your household."
"My household It consists of myself alone and the servants."
"Of course, my dear fellow, of course! I knew it was so, but I am glad to be able to say so on your own authority."