"So I presumed. Nor was I," he retorted.
If she found the reply enigmatical she did not say so.
They had not sat down during the conversation. Now, Somerled took a step toward the door. "I'm obliged to you for receiving me, madam," he said as a prelude to departure.
"I received you on the strength of your name," she reminded him.
"Which I don't intend to disgrace in your eyes."
"Why in my eyes? They will not long be looking your way."
"I think they will, as long as I'm in charge of your granddaughter. That's what I mean."
"I do not thank you for the assurance. Except that when she's twenty-one I shall make over certain money of my son's to her, I have washed my hands of the girl."
"I haven't. That's not the kind of washing to make them clean."
"You reproach me, sir!" She glared at him.