"I mean," said I, "is it wise to go with him?"
"Of course you meant that," murmured Barbara.
"M. de Fontelles will trouble you no more," I remarked, in a tone as calm as though I stated the price of wheat; indeed much calmer than such a vital matter was wont to command at our village inn.
"What?" she cried. "He will not——?"
"He didn't know the truth. I have told him. He is an honourable gentleman."
"You've done that also, Simon?" She came a step nearer me.
"It was nothing to do," said I. Barbara fell back again.
"Yet I am obliged to you," said she. I bowed with careful courtesy.
Why tell these silly things. Every man has such in his life. Yet each counts his own memory a rare treasure, and it will not be denied utterance.
"I had best seek my Lord Carford," said I, more for lack of another thing to say than because there was need to say that.