Mr. Brace looked relieved, yet uncomfortable and a little annoyed all at once.
He said: "I don't know that I should have put it in exactly those words, Miss Lovelace."
"No, but that's the gist of it all," I said rather shortly. Men are so roundabout. They take ages hinting at things that can be put into one short sentence. Then they're angry because some woman takes a short cut and translates.
"Isn't that what you mean, Mr. Brace?"
"If I had a young sister," said this roundabout Mr. Brace, "I certainly do not think that I should care to allow her to associate with a man like that."
"Like what?" I said.
"Like this Mr. Burke."
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't think he is a very desirable acquaintance for a young and inexperienced girl."
"How well do you know him?" I asked.