He looked directly at Darkham, compelling an answer.
"No," said Darkham.
"So glad!" said Dicky. "Then you came—-"
His manner was delightful; not a suspicion in it; yet Darkham felt he must answer.
"I was merely passing by here, and saw Miss Nesbitt, and came to ask her a question," said he doggedly. He was quite master of himself again, and spoke naturally.
"Which Miss Nesbitt, of course, didn't answer," said Dicky airily. "I never answer questions myself. You always get let in if you do. Agatha, I hope you stood firm. Always resist the questioner."
He was making light of the situation. The babe unborn could not have seemed more innocent than Dicky at this moment. Yet Darkham, listening, cursed him in his heart.
"Miss Nesbitt, I am afraid, does not follow your lines," said he, in a suave tone. "She—you came a little late you see—she did answer."
"More shame for you!" said Dicky to Agatha. "See now how you encourage Darkham."
He laughed.