'Oh! that is as good as saying one.'
'As good as saying none,' said Clara, with emphasis.
'There may be different opinions on that point,' returned Isabel, not daring to lift her eyes from her work, though longing to study Clara's face, and feeling herself crimsoning.
'Extremely unfounded opinions, and rather—'
'Rather what?'
'Impertinent, I was going to say, begging your pardon, dear Isabel.'
'Nay, I think it is I who should beg yours, Clara.'
'No, no,' said Clara, laughing, but speaking gravely immediately after, 'lookers-on do not always see most of the game. I have always known his mind so well that I could never possibly have fallen into any such nonsense. I respect him far too much.'
Isabel felt as if she must hazard a few words more—'Can you guess what he will do if Mr. Ponsonby's reports prove true?'
'I do not mean to anticipate misfortunes,' said Clara.