"'The fathers eat sour grapes,'" he answered, with a bitter smile. "Poor little Daisy!"
"I believe you're hinting at something against yourself."
"Perhaps."
He held out his hand to bid her good-bye, adding,
"You'd better let us alone, Miss Derosne."
"Why should I let you alone? Why mayn't I be her friend?"
He made no direct answer, but said,
"Your news of what has happened—I mean of your friends' attitude—hardly surprises me. You won't suppose I feel it less, because it's my fault—and my poor girl has to suffer for it."
"Your fault?"
"Yes."