The women were all curiosity on the instant and showed it. The men accepted politely, but declared that the hostess was attraction sufficient.
Hope had made the proposition on impulse, and it was too late to draw back when she caught her father’s disapproving eye.
“I’m not at all sure,” he commented, once they were alone, “that this thing is wise. Carey isn’t yet out of the woods, and the story of his alleged embezzlement and all that is too fresh to have been forgotten. Explanations at a dinner party aren’t pleasant things. We know he is innocent, but you don’t want to put him on trial before a jury of your guests.”
But Hope was staunch in her loyalty.
“Our verdict will be sufficient,” she answered, bravely. “If I had stopped to think of all you say I probably shouldn’t have asked them, but as it is I’m glad I did it. It clears the situation at once. They must know from my having promised to be his wife and your having given your consent, that he is innocent.”
Nicholas Van Tuyl shrugged his shoulders.
“Perhaps,” he replied, a little doubtfully, “perhaps; but, my dear girl, don’t hint at the Prince business. The Fahlers will keep their mouths closed for the sake of their dead relative, but no injunction of secrecy would still the tongues of Mrs. Dickie and Lady Constance.”
Hope demurred.
“It’s such an interesting story,” she protested, “and I am a woman!”
“But the Government here does not want it to get out.”