"You had better tell the rest, Herr Bernhoff," cried Bessie indignantly.
"I have merely been saying that if she would consent I should become to that extent a member of your family, and so concerned to help you in keeping secret any matters which you do not desire to have disclosed."
"Plainer, please," I said very curtly,
"There are certain things----"
"Mention them," I broke in.
"You have a guest here, Mr. Bastable," he said, lifting his hands and smiling significantly.
"You have already given this--this gentleman an answer, Bessie?"
"Oh yes, and he said----"
"Never mind that for a moment. Just let me have a word or two with him alone." She got up at once, and he rose at the same time as if to go.
"I do not wish to discuss it with you, Mr. Bastable," he said uneasily.